Message to Volunteers from President and CEO, Rachel Smolkin

April 1, 2025

Dear Volunteers, 

National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate the inspiring dedication of community members working to support our public service mission. I am delighted to take the opportunity to recognize your incredible contributions.  

I joined OPB In September 2024 after my family and I relocated to Portland. I was thrilled to join a leading regional news organization dedicated to essential journalism, deep storytelling and culturally rich programming. I knew I would be working with consummate professionals who are first in class within public media.  

What I had not expected was the genuine outpouring of love and support for OPB and KMHD from the community. Everywhere I go, people tell me about the deep impact that our organization has on their lives. I was not anticipating such sincere affection for a news organization. Every day I see the dedication and passion that goes into our public service, and the deep love behind the work we are doing together. 

Nowhere is that deep dedication more clearly demonstrated than by you, our remarkable volunteer team, who so generously contribute your valuable time, energy, and talents in support of our mission. I am grateful for the opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support, and to recognize and celebrate all that you have accomplished. 

In the past year, more than 224 volunteers donated about 9,000 hours of service. You’ve connected with thousands of community members, either in person or by phone. You’ve edited hundreds of computer-generated transcripts of current and archival OPB content for accuracy, making OPB reporting more available and accessible. You’ve moderated thousands of comments on social media, helping us be more responsive to our audience and ensuring a more positive experience for all. You’ve entered thousands of pieces of data and assisted with countless administrative tasks. The impacts you have made across OPB and KMHD are numerous, and the cumulative contributions you have made to the organization’s capacities are astounding.  

I am just beginning my journey here, and based on what I have already witnessed, I could not be more excited and inspired by what we will build together. On behalf of all of us at OPB and KMHD, thank you for being part of our shared story.


Sincerely,

Rachel Smolkin
President & CEO