Meet Our Team


Cara Turano

President & Executive Director

Cara Turano leads with a ton of energy and enthusiasm for innovative ideas. She is passionate about entrepreneurship as a wealth-building avenue for individuals and a driver for community-building. Formerly COO at the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO), she has spent over 20 years in technology and technology-adjacent companies, including a couple of startups. Cara chairs the Portland Public Schools Bond Accountability Committee and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Portland. She was recognized as an Atlanta Business Chronicle 40 Under 40 and is a graduate of the University of Georgia. In her spare time, Cara is an avid runner, skier, camper, reader, and vegetarian chef with a soft spot for her 6 ½  lb chihuahua, Toby, and her amazing family.



Rylee O'Brien

Associate Executive Director

For the past 30 years Rylee O’Brien has honed her event planning skills at Northwest non-profit organizations and associations in both Seattle and Portland. By working closely with vendors to devise creative solutions within a budget, her goal is to execute exceptional events that meet objectives and exceed sponsor and attendee expectations – all with seeming ease and efficiency. The passion she shows in her work also translates into monthly dinner parties her family throws in their home, and reflects an authentic desire to make guests feel comfortable, appreciated and welcomed.


2024 Board of Directors

Claire BrownTonkon Torp (Secretary)

Ryan Comingdeer, InnovāDev LLC

Corey Frazier, Intel Corporation

Michael Goetz, Newmark (Chair)

Dave HansenUmpqua Bank

Paige Hendrix Buckner, All Raise

Mary HullStoel Rives

Anne Lipsitz, Lipsitz Consulting

Deepthi Madhava, Oregon Venture Fund

Beth NguyenGeffen Mesher (Treasurer)

Sce Pike, Entrepreneur & Investor (Vice-Chair)

Kasem Rodriguez Mohsen, Equilibrium
Impact Ventures

Scott Sandler, Investor

Deepa SeshanKindle Consulting

Mike White, Mid-Valley Angel Fund

John Williams, Entrepreneur/Investor


Support OEN Programs and Services

As the state’s fastest-growing entrepreneurial network, we rely on your support to create high-quality programs, services, and networking events that foster community, create jobs, and drive innovation.

Give an OEN Scholarship

By giving a budding entrepreneur an OEN scholarship, you can open the door to the resources, know-how, and networks he or she needs to move from vision to action.

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