New Vice President, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and Board Secretary

David Reese has joined Lewis & Clark as its next general counsel, board secretary, and inaugural chief of staff. Reese, who has served in various roles at Portland State University for the last decade, started in May and will be full time by late July.

“David’s experience with Oregon’s legal and civic landscapes, as well as his expertise in higher education law and policy, are well suited to this demanding position,” says President Wim Wiewel. “David and I have worked well together in the past, and I know he will be ready to serve Lewis & Clark’s mission from day one.”

Reese will be responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of assignments, including direction and management of President Wiewel’s agenda and priorities, and service to a variety of stakeholders. In the general counsel role, Reese will manage all legal affairs of Lewis & Clark. He will also serve as the secretary to the Board of Trustees.

“I’m honored to be given this opportunity to once again work closely with Wim and to join a stellar team at Lewis & Clark,” says Reese. “I’m especially excited to be joining a place where the care for each other is evident and where I can get to know a significant portion of the community.”

Reese, who grew up outside Detroit, Michigan, completed his undergraduate education at Wayne State University and earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He worked in private practice at Stoel Rives in Portland before joining the office of Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski as general counsel. Reese left the governor’s office for Portland State, where he was eventually promoted to general counsel and secretary to the board of trustees.

Reese will take over general counsel and board secretary responsibilities from David Ellis, who is retiring after serving in that role since the position was created in 2004. “I can’t thank David Ellis enough for his service to Lewis & Clark over all these years in many roles,” says President Wiewel. “His time as interim president and his counsel to me over the past year especially have been invaluable in my early days here. And I know he’ll impart much good advice to David Reese during the transition. Thank you, David.”