Playing rugby at Western Oregon University acclimated Waylon Buchan to the rough-and-tumble game of politics. Buchan, who has managed political campaigns, pushed a major transportation funding bill through the Oregon legislature and represented truckers, is joining CFM Advocates on November 2 as state affairs counsel.
“Waylon is a veteran advocate with a keen legal mind and strong credentials in the Capitol. He has fantastic relationships with legislators, agency leaders and stakeholders and is regarded as a leader on transportation and business issues in Oregon,” says CFM Partner Dale Penn II. “We are excited to have him, his great sense of humor and his warm personality as part of our team in Salem.”
“I am excited to apply my background of campaigning, lobbying, legal and regulatory work to bring a new perspective to CFM.”
Buchan took his law degree from Willamette University and studied for the Oregon State Bar while working as a legislative aide for former Oregon Rep. Vicki Berger, R-Salem, where he focused on business, revenue and transportation issues and developed relationships on both sides of the political aisle.
He hung out his shingle as an attorney in Salem, handling estates, contracts and small business issues. At the same time, Buchan operated Expansion Media, which managed political campaigns from fundraising to print and digital media production.
Buchan joined the Oregon Department of Transportation as a key member of the government relations team that spearheaded legislative approval of House Bill 2017, the largest multi-modal transportation investment package in Oregon history. He and his fellow team members received the 2017 Mary F. Olson Award, named after a former Oregon Transportation Commission member and the highest honor an ODOT staff member can receive in recognition of initiative, innovation and integrity.
The Oregon Trucking Associations recruited Buchan to advocate on behalf of its 600 members on policy issues relating to transportation, regulation and taxation, as well as establishing and mobilizing effective coalitions.
Buchan and his wife Ashley and dog Gibson enjoy hiking, camping and practicing survival skills, which they hope they never will need to use. After the birth of their daughter Marjorie Lynn, the Buchan family is discovering the virtues of home life that include backyard barbecues, frequent board games and catching up on sleep.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the CFM team to work with such high-caliber professionals on a wide range of important policy issues,” Buchan says. “I am also excited to apply my background of campaigning, lobbying, legal and regulatory work to bring a new perspective to CFM.”
