Michael Clark

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Ella at Willamette Education Service District (WESD) for over five years. She is one of the most thoughtful, strategic, and service-minded leaders I’ve worked with during my time in education.

Dr. Ella has partnered with all 21 WESD component districts, as well as districts across Oregon, giving her a rare ability to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing school systems of any size.

What sets her apart is not only her depth of knowledge, but her ability to make complex district data understandable, actionable, and meaningful for diverse audiences. As a communications professional, what I especially appreciate is how she brings clarity to conversations that can otherwise feel overwhelming, helping teams focus on what matters most for students and communities.

— Michael Clark, Director, Communications, Willamette Education Service District