Personal

Education

The demanding work of ministry doesn't pay much. Most of us who wear the cloth have had to work "real" jobs to support our families. Most of my real jobs were in business managing people, money, and commerce--all of which required knowledge and skills that I needed to learn. Quickly.

So I took or audited many courses in business and mental health--the former exercised and honed in companies I became an executive or owner and the latter to equip myself to safely navigate the emotional jungle of ministry. I didn't have time tp augment my education with courses to qualify for any degree.

I have been honored to teach and guest lecture undergraduate and graduate courses at colleges and universities in the West. These invitations grew out of my direct experience in successfully applying academic skills and knowledge to real life challenges in business, in mental health, and in development.

These are the same skills I've brought to community organizations and which I will bring to the Senate: Curiosity, listening, seeking compromise, inspiring action, and a guileless dedication to facts and reality.

Community Service

No matter where I've lived and work, community service has always been a part of my life. Coaching baseball and basketball. Serving on school boards both local and regional. Serving on Boards of Directors for many non-profits and organizations--specializing in long-range strategic planning and development.

Current board member for Silverton Friends of Music and Silverton PFLAG.

Career

Most of my jobs have been in business managing people, budgets, and commerce including steel company executive, newspaper founder and owner, book publisher, teacher, radio talk show host, and service in the Air National Guard. All of these have allowed me to serve as a minister for over 40 years.
Pastor of the Church of the Moment in Silverton (7 years)
CEO of Straw Publishing (books by local authors)

Past
Publisher of Twain Harte Times newspaper
Owner Elegant Cottage (retail boutique)
President Tears Crisis Intervention (training/certification)
Executive at Pacific Steel & Supply

About

Oregon resident and voter with wife, Judy, since 2006
Musician, artist, author, activist
Woodworker
Santa
Grampa

About Mike Ashland