Meet Our Staff

We're teachers, media artists, social activists and dynamic nonprofit professionals. We're excited to deliver Open Signal's programs to the community. 

To connect with a staff member, complete this form, and we'll get back to you!

Jim Bruce Director of Information Systems jim [at] opensignalpdx.org

I am responsible for all information systems utilized by Open Signal — if it involves a computer or a network, I probably work with it in some way. 

At my previous position, I was the IT department for a small high-end video production company. Because of advances in technology with video, audio and computers, and how they converge together, this experience makes my role at Open Signal an almost-perfect fit. My main focus from my mid-20’s to my mid-30’s was DJing and promoting live music shows. 

Noah Dorsey Facilities and Equipment Manager ndorsey [at] opensignalpdx.org

I coordinate equipment purchases, repairs and sales for Open Signal, as well as being a a front desk Technical Specialist.

I also teach Stop-Motion Animation with Dragonframe and can assist with any of your animation questions.

In addition to working at Open Signal, I enjoy animation, professional cars and spending time with family.

KatMeow García Director of Community Media katmeow [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

¡Yo hablo español!
我半流利!
Ask me about accessibility.

I teach a slough of media education courses and help create trainings and curriculums focused on technical skill-building and equitable education practices for instructors, volunteers, and partnerships. I have worked in media arts education for over a decade and can help you find the education path at Open Signal that best fits your goals.

I am the president emeritus at KBOO Community Radio, earned a BFA in Filmmaking and Social Justice at Evergreen State College and produce a music television show in the vein of Soul Train at Open Signal.

Tracy Kernell Community Media Administrator tracy [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: he/him/his

As the Community Media Administrator, I am your go-to resource for any questions about what we do here at Open Signal. From becoming a member, scheduling a training, getting your show on one of our channels, coordinating facility reservations, or general questions you need answered, I am able to assist you! I  can assure that your experience here is a fluid and positive one.

I am also a filmmaker and photographer with a practice that centers around the intersection of the peculiarity and the mundanity of Black life. I believe in the creation of alternate economies and futures in hopes of establishing a more equitable landscape outside of the pre-established system.

Vo McBurney Studio Productions Coordinator & Trainer vo [at] opensignalpdx.org

As the Studio Productions Coordinator & Trainer, I am here to ensure that your studio productions are a success. I can help you with everything from reserving your gear to answering (and solving) your HD studio questions.

I currently teach the Intro to Studio Production class, and am proficient in all of the gear that we have in our equipment library so feel free to reach out with any technical questions. I'm more of a Star Wars guy than a Star Trek guy, but I've been known to hang out with a few Trekkies.

Jamie Plakos Director of Operations jamie [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

¡
Yo hablo español!
Ask me about accessibility.

I oversee Open Signal’s Finance & HR and Administration Departments, developing new organizational systems and creating policies and procedures with a strong focus on equity and inclusion.

I am an active member of the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), currently serving as the board secretary for the ACM Northwest Region. I am also a part of a Portland-based female/non-binary led production collective.

Courtney Rae Director of Growth courtneyrae [at] opensignalpdx.org

I lead Open Signal's resource building efforts from grassroots fundraising to corporate sponsorships. I'm coming to Open Signal with 15 years experience in community organizing and political action, communications, fundraising, grant writing, and volunteer coordination for social justice activist groups and environmental organizations. 

I currently sit on the Board of Crag Law Center. I am pleased to reconnect with media arts and to bring my skills and experience to a new field. I stay committed to fearless curiosity and radical, exponential change, so hold on tight!

Emily Roland Media Distribution Manager eroland [at] opensignalpdx.org

I manage Open Signal's broadcast and scheduling for cable and online distribution, curating videos and engaging with public volunteer producers about their video submissions.

Talk to me if you'd like to learn how to get your video or series on the channels, want to get broadcast schedules, report technical broadcast issues or learn about our service areas. Prior to Open Signal, I graduated from Mt. Hood Community College with two Associate’s degrees in Television Production.

Melissa Salazar Community Media Cohort Facilitator msalazar [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I provide direct support to producers, adjusting services and support based on unique needs. As part of the Community Media team, my primary role is to instruct equity-driven workshops to cohort students and work one-on-one to provide technical support.

I was born and raised in South Texas and have lived in Portland since 2012. After graduating from PNCA in 2015 I began working as a youth mentor. I'm excited to incorporate my skills to help others tell their stories. When not working I’m exploring in the forest, sitting next to water with a good book, drawing or watching baseball.

Miranda Selinger Broadcast Distribution Coordinator miranda [at] opensignalpdx.org

As part of the Distribution department, I help get produced videos onto our cable channels. I also do Playback operation for live shows and government meetings, help curate the broadcast schedule, and assist community members with their submissions.

I have been immersed in Portland’s community media scene since 2018, when I moved here from the East Coast and started working at XRAY FM. I joined the Open Signal team in 2022, bringing four years of experience in radio broadcast operations, nonprofit administration, and media education.

Daniela Serna Director of Communications + Distribution daniela [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers, they/them/theirs

¡Yo hablo español!

I manage Open Signal's communications and distribution departments, developing strategies to support community media through clear and transparent public communications and broadcast of local work on our cable channels.

Outside of work, I am a student and researcher at Portland State University learning about urban planning and environmental justice, and avid music fan.

Sharon Thomas Production Services Client Manager sthomas [at] opensignalpdx.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I joined Open Signal's staff in the summer of 2008 when it was still Portland Cable Access as the front desk receptionist. I transitioned to Production services in 2009 assisting with multiple productions around the city. 

Currently, I am the Client Relations Production Services Manager that specializes in building and maintaining our relationships with clients and coordinating staffing for our virtual and mobile productions.

Valerie Valdez Finance & HR Coordinator karen [at] opensignalpdx.org

As part of the Finance & Human Resources department, I support the organization’s financial processes and assist staff with any HR-related issues.

I bring over three years of experience in operations, HR/finance and administrative work. I joined Open Signal in the fall of 2022 and have enjoyed learning about media production and community media. Outside of the workplace, I am committed to community development among vulnerable populations, whether it’s engaging with children in the foster care or educational system.