Jason “Jay” Miller grew up in Michigan and relocated to Portland, Oregon in 2008. Throughout his career, Jay has worn many hats, but he is most at home working with his hands, solving problems, and making spaces both functional and welcoming for others.

Before joining World Forestry Center, Jay worked at Meals on Wheels, where he maintained multiple buildings while also delivering meals across Oregon. That experience strengthened his appreciation for service-oriented work and the importance of reliable, well-maintained facilities in supporting mission-driven organizations.

Jay enjoys applying his practical skills in a setting that values care, learning, and stewardship. He appreciates the campus’s natural beauty, the friendliness of visitors and colleagues, and the opportunity to learn something new each day. His hands-on approach and problem-solving mindset are central to his role and reflect his commitment to doing work that matters.

Maya Puggarana is a Programs Associate at World Forestry Center, where she develops programming that helps professional and public audiences better understand forest management in the context of accelerating climate change. Her work focuses on fostering dialogue, collaboration, and informed stewardship in a region where forests play a critical role in community resilience.

Maya holds a Master’s degree in International Development with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability from Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs. During her graduate studies, she worked on-site in Niassa, Mozambique, engaging local stakeholders in the development of the Yambone REDD+ carbon project. This experience shaped her approach to inclusive, community-centered environmental work.

At WFC, Maya values the opportunity to bring her international training back to her hometown of Portland, applying global perspectives to local forest challenges. Outside of work, Maya serves on the City of Portland’s Sustainability and Climate Commission, supports her family with yard work, and actively builds community by participating in local organizing and civic events.

Jessica Schantz joined World Forestry Center as Events Coordinator in November 2024. In her role, she tours prospective clients, plans social events across campus, and oversees WFC’s Approved Catering partnerships. While weddings are her primary focus, Jessica also supports a wide range of on-site events, ensuring each reflects the organization’s mission and setting.

A graduate of Portland State University, Jessica holds a degree in Communications and brings extensive hospitality and event management experience to her work. Her career has spanned restaurant ownership in downtown Portland, senior-level management of large-scale events, and work with an equity-based nonprofit at PSU.

Jessica is passionate about creating welcoming, well-executed events that connect people to place. She values the opportunity to showcase World Forestry Center as a premier destination rooted in purpose and community. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, camping throughout the Pacific Northwest, traveling abroad, and exploring Portland’s food scene as a self-proclaimed foodie.