Brian

Brian is a fourth generation Japanese-American born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii, before moving to Oregon in 1992 for undergraduate studies at Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon. While at Pacific University, he earned a degree in Biology/Philosophy.

After graduating from Pacific University, he pursued different jobs in Oregon that ranged from non-profit organizations, working in the healthcare field as an ophthalmic technician, a freelance financial advisor/educator, and more recently with the Portland Veterans Benefits Administration as a disability benefits representative. In 2013, he earned his Master’s degree in Public Health Program Development from Purdue University (formerly Kaplan University).

At APANO, Brian is the Workforce Program Coordinator in hopes to support and coordinate community-centered energy efficiency and healthy homes programs. He hopes to build upon the existing Asian workforce program at APANO in hopes to provide increased energy efficiency access to individuals and families though outreach, client services, onsite support, and other grassroots engagement.

Engaging with the community outside work includes part of a nonprofit organization, Haunters for Giving, that builds a haunted house on a board member’s property every year for Halloween near Sunset High School, Oregon. He is also volunteering time in other organizations such as AARP in tax preparation assistant for elderly of Oregon. Hobbies includes stand-up paddleboarding, playing pool, hiking, traveling when time permits, and spending time with his friends’ activities.