Her Story
About Gail
Gail Greenman brings more than 40 years of expertise to government affairs, with a current focus on transportation policy including aviation and marine issues at the Port of Portland, where she monitors federal legislation and regulation and advocates for the port's interests. Her career path includes nearly 20 years in federal agriculture policy and approximately 10 years in federal public elementary and secondary education policy. She served as State Executive Director for the Oregon Farm Service Agency from April 2022 until January 2025. A graduate of Indiana University, Greenman maintains active involvement in professional associations including the American Association of Airport Executives, the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, and Phi Alpha Theta. She also contributes to her community as a board officer and executive committee member of a local non-profit music school, where she has co-chaired multiple benefit auctions. Among her honors are recognitions from the Military Impacted Schools Association, the National Indian Impacted organization, Secretary Vilsack, and President Biden.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gail
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've been very fortunate to have bosses throughout my career who have pushed me and given me the chance to fail, try new things, think outside of the box. I've married that with my own determination. I adopt a philosophy of every day I try to be 1% better than the day before. The combination of opportunity with my own determination has gotten me where I am. You can't be all horsepower, you have to have torque, and the opportunity with my own determination is the horsepower and the torque.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is to take advantage of every opportunity provided to you. Don't say no.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always take the opportunity, always say yes. Don't be afraid to say something when something's not right. Show up and be prepared.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in government affairs is typically always money, there's never enough to go around. My job is to advocate for policies that impact the port in a positive way. I work with a really great team and a phenomenal congressional delegation that is small but mighty.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, transparency, clarity. Showing up, being present. Doing what you say you'll do.
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