The Veteran State Affairs Professional Deepens CFM’s Bench
Jessica Adamson returns to CFM Advocates November 7, bringing back to the firm a deep background in state affairs ranging from transportation to health care. Adamson rejoins CFM as senior vice president of government affairs.
“Jessica has been a powerful voice in the state Capitol for more than 20 years and our state team is excited to welcome back her insight, perspective and authority to CFM’s lobbying efforts,” says CFM State Affairs Partner Dale Penn II. “Jessica will continue doing what she does best – advocate passionately and eloquently on a wide range of issues, including health care, human services, transportation, non-profit and education.
Adamson rejoins CFM after working eight years for Providence Health & Services, mostly recently as executive director for state government and public affairs for Providence. “I’ve enjoyed the opportunities and challenges working with Providence and look forward to continuing my association as part of CFM,” Adamson says. “I’m also looking forward to working on an expanded range of issues that takes advantage of my prior experience and knowledge.”
A native of Albany, Oregon, Adamson earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Pacific University and began working in the Oregon legislature as an aide to the late Senator Jeannette Hamby, who was a nurse. The Associated General Contractors Oregon-Columbia Chapter recognized her talent and hired her as its public affairs director in 1999, a post she filled for almost 10 years while learning the ins and outs of constructing buildings and highways.
After a short stint as business liaison for Senator Jeff Merkley, Adamson returned to the legislature as legislative director for House Speaker Dave Hunt. Following the 2010 election that left the Oregon House evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan hired her as his chief of staff to help navigate a power-sharing arrangement. Adamson joined CFM in 2012 where she worked until moving to Providence in 2014. Providence has been a CFM state affairs client since the firm opened its doors in 1990.
Adamson earned her master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana, in 2021.
In her spare time, Jessica solves Wordle puzzles and follows her son’s marching bands.
She is married with three children and lives in Sherwood, where she serves on the Sherwood School District board of directors. In her spare time, Adamson enjoys playing with her grandson and solving Wordle puzzles. She remains an active community volunteer and following her son’s various marching bands. Among her favorite quotes comes from President Harry Truman: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
CFM also strengthened its state and public affairs bench earlier this fall with the return of Page Phillips Strickler. “Jessica and Page helped make CFM what it is today,” Penn says, “and will contribute to what it can become in serving our growing set of Pacific Northwest clients.”
