August 20, 2026
Meet the members of our Board and staff, and get to know the people behind our mission! These blog and social media posts give you an inside look at the incredible individuals who guide our mission and shape the work we do. Next up we are excited to share our Staff Member Spotlight, featuring Kelly E. Coates, PhD, MPH who joined the Oregon Pediatric Society as Executive Director in December 2025. With 20+ years of nonprofit experience, a systems-thinking approach to improving child health, plus a background in health policy, Kelly’s experience and expertise make her a perfect fit for advancing our mission. Get to know the person leading our work to support pediatric providers and the kids and families they serve.
Question: If you played professional baseball, what would be your walk-out song (title and artist, if possible)?
Answer: Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
Question: What do you love about being a part of OPS?
Answer: I love being connected to a mission and to people who do good work for children and their families.
Question: What book are you reading right now?
Answer: Strong Ground by Brene Brown
Question: If you weren’t doing your current profession, what would you do?
Answer: Chef
Question: What are your hopes and dreams for OPS in the future?
Answer: Growth in our unrestricted funding to do more for the good of kids and their providers
Question: What’s your favorite children’s book?
Answer: Butternut Bill and the Bee Tree
Question: What children’s issue are you really passionate about?
Answer: The intersectionality of health and education to ensure all kids can thrive.
Question: What’s your favorite children’s movie?
Answer: Inside Out
Question: What was your favorite subject in school? Why?
Answer: Anything math and science. It provides order and understanding to why things work the way they do.
Question: What are your hobbies?
Answer: My three rescue dogs; Gardening; Reading; Kayaking; Spending time with friends and family; Cooking
Question: What is your favorite part about your job?
Answer: Doing good work with good people
Question: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Answer: A pediatrician
Question: What was your favorite afterschool snack?
Answer: Cinnamon toast
Thank you, Kelly, for the passion, leadership, and heart that you bring to OPS every day. We are so grateful to have you at the helm as we continue doing good work for kids and their providers across Oregon.
Interested in connecting with Kelly to share ideas or find ways to collaborate? Reach out anytime at kelly.coates@oraap.org.
