Gary Maffei

Gary Maffei, Director

Son of Italian parents, Gary R. Maffei was born in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Central Catholic High School and Portland State University. Prior to retirement, he was the head of human resources at Louisiana Pacific Corporation and Vice President of Merlo Corporation. His business background, beyond his 40-year career, includes board positions on Talk and Toss Phone Debit Cards, Regent Assisted Living, and Wholesome & Hearty (Garden Burgers). 

His many community activities include current non-profit boards like Park Academy, Our House of Portland Life Trustees, past-President of the Portland’s Foundation, and Emeritus Chair of Emeritus Board of OMSI. He also currently sits on the business boards of Lucky Transportation, Randall Investment Group, and Youth Music Project.

Some of Gary’s past achievements include chairing the highly successful Kows for Kids event that raised over $2.5 million for children’s charities, as well as raising $10 million in funds for the new OMSI Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray in Newport in honor of John Gray. He has served on past boards of numerous organizations, including CASA, Albertina Kerr, OMSI, The Grotto, Marylhurst University, New Avenues for Youth, OPB, RACC, Classic Wine Auction and helped start the Cards for Kids Program, the Children’s Store, Sitka Center for Art & Ecology Art Show, and is the founding Chairman of the Oregon Ballet Theatre. Gary is also a retired Trustee of the Merlo Foundation where he has been able to assist countless non-profits with special projects and capital campaigns.

Gary’s favorite pastimes are tennis, touring the world with his partner for life, Marc Lintner, and, of course, volunteering.