Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
Aspen Institute
Liesl Wendt
Deputy Director, Oregon Department of Human Services
Liesl joined the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) in 2018 as the agency’s Deputy Director. She brings more than 20 years working in government and non-profit sectors. Prior to being the Deputy Director, Liesl directed the agency’s Self Sufficiency Programs served as the Director of Multnomah County Department of Human Services in Oregon’s largest county. As the former Chief Executive Officer of 211info, a community information organization, Liesl built strong and enduring connections at the state and local level with the goal of improving access to information and services for people in Oregon. After stabilizing Oregon’s 211 system, Liesl worked for United Way Worldwide leading national 211 efforts with a focus on emergency response support. Liesl has also worked as Policy Director for former Portland Mayor Tom Potter and served as an interim Multnomah County Commissioner. In both roles, Liesl championed efforts to diversify the involvement of community members who influenced policy and budgets.
Early in her career, Liesl worked with nonprofits in policy advocacy, community engagement and community organizing. Her experience drives a healthy impatience to make change and keeps a focus on systems, policies, and budgets that need to work for people.
