Each of UCP's Directors brings a diverse set of skills, experiences and backgrounds to UCP. Together, they make up a leadership team that is uniquely passionate about ensuring that every one of our customers (and the broader disability community) is living life on their terms.
Our Directors manage our day-to-day operations, and also engage in advocacy on a local, statewide, and national level. It's truly about creating "A Community For Everyone."
Our Directors manage our day-to-day operations, and also engage in advocacy on a local, statewide, and national level. It's truly about creating "A Community For Everyone."
SUZANNAH NEWMAN, JD, PHR, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR & INTERIM CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Suzannah Newman has a law degree from Lewis & Clark College and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources. She joined UCP Oregon in 2016 as Human Resources Director. Previously, she worked in human resource management at a civil legal services nonprofit.
In addition to her role as Human Resources Director, Suzannah currently serves as Interim Co-Executive Director, sharing executive leadership responsibilities during UCP Oregon’s leadership transition. Suzannah brings a strong commitment to equity, compliance, and organizational health, and is dedicated to supporting both staff and the people UCP Oregon serves. She enjoys travel and learning about new places and cultures. |
JERRY HOFFERT, FINANCE DIRECTOR & INTERIM CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Jerry Hoffert has worked in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services industry in various financial roles for over two decades. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer for the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD).
Jerry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Linfield College and a Master of Business Administration from George Fox University. He first connected with UCP Oregon in 2014, when he joined the UCP Oregon Board. Over the years, he served as Board President, Treasurer, and Finance Committee Chair. In 2023, following a thorough and competitive recruitment process, Jerry joined UCP Oregon as Finance Director. In addition to his role as Finance Director, Jerry currently serves as Interim Co-Executive Director, sharing executive leadership responsibilities during UCP Oregon’s leadership transition. He brings deep financial expertise, institutional knowledge, and a long-standing commitment to UCP Oregon’s mission. |
TARA COEN, UCP CONNECTIONS DIRECTOR
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Tara Coen has been with UCP since 2015. She began her career in social services in 2010. She worked at a Portland-area women’s shelter, and also worked as a Direct Support Provider at a local day program for people who experienced intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). She then transitioned into employment support.
In 2015, Tara was hired by UCP Oregon to serve as a as a Personal Agent in our first brokerage (“UCP Connections”). In 2017, Tara was promoted to serve as UCP Connections’ Lead Personal Agent. In 2021, Tara became the Director of the UCP Connections team. Tara says that “I am excited to use my diverse experience, and to continue building meaningful relationships with employees and customers. I also hope to continue the important work of becoming a truly anti-racist organization that centers the voices and the brilliance of the people we work with.” She adds, “I love all of the ways in which UCP provides supports and interacts with the I/DD community. We are pretty lucky to do this work and to have all of these incredible people who bring different skills, strengths, and perspectives to the table.” Tara has a masters degree in conflict resolution. In her personal life, Tara says that she loves spending time with her family, getting out into nature, eating good food, and appreciating all the big and little joys life has to offer. |
JOHN GOFF, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
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John joined UCP in 2013. As Community Services Director, he oversees UCP's Supported Living services for adults ("Foundations”) and Children's In-Home ("Building Blocks") services.
John previously served as the Executive Director of a large East Coast non-profit that supports adults with disabilities through residential, recreational, and supported employment services. Prior to his work on the east coast, John spent 10 years in Oregon, where he served adults and youth with disabilities in several different capacities. John is committed to the mission and values of UCP, and is excited to have returned to the Northwest community. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing and exploring Oregon’s outdoor spaces with his wife and two sons. |
SASHA VIDALES, UCP MENTORS DIRECTOR
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Sasha Vidales came to UCP in 2021 as Brokerage Director for UCP's second Brokerage ("UCP Mentors").
Sasha brought with her extensive experience in social services. She has a Bachelors of Art in Psychology and a Masters of Business Administration in Organizational Behavior. Sasha also has over twenty years of experience in human services, including case management, policy research, training development, quality improvement, and leadership within direct services, including employment, community access, and housing. As Brokerage Director, Sasha oversees UCP Mentors' operations, strategic planning, budget implementation, and team development. Her team provides case management services to 500+ adults with I/DD. Sasha speaks Spanish and is excited to improve the language access and cultural responsiveness of the brokerage department through translation, outreach, networking, and training. In her personal life, she loves spending time with her husband and their three kids (two teens and a toddler). Her hobbies include cooking, hiking, reading, camping, and dance. For over a decade, Sasha has taught and performed ballet folklorico, traditional Mexican dance. |
NICOLE VIVANCO, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
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Nicole Vivanco has worked with adults who experience disabilities since 2009. She has held a variety of direct service and management roles, including working in supported living, community inclusion, supported employment, and certified nursing services.
Nicole began her UCP Oregon career in 2012, working on the Supported Living team. She moved to UCP’s Employment Solutions team in 2013, and held positions as a Job Coach, Employment Specialist, Job Coach Manager, Washington County Employment Manager, and Employment Department Manager. In 2023, she was promoted to Employment Services Director. Throughout her career, Nicole has been committed to helping people to define and achieve their goals. She enjoys helping people work together, assisting them to use collaborative methods to overcome obstacles. She is committed to advocacy and inclusion for all. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, playing soccer, hiking, reading, painting, and traveling to new places. |