Executive Committee

Michael Metiva, Chair
Michael Metiva is the Research Analyst for the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Advocate Office, which works to resolve systemic issues as well as individual taxpayers’ problems. Michael’s work involves a mixture of big-picture analysis and individual case studies. He focuses on using data to tell the story of each problem, justify the need for change, and recommend the best available solutions. Michael began working for the Oregon state government in January 2022. Prior to that, he earned bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Economics before moving on to a master’s degree in Horticulture, all at Michigan State University.

Jason is a seasoned Program Manager with Aging & People with Disabilities. Pruett has extensive experience with program implementation and is recognized as a collaborative, results-oriented strategic thinker. His thorough knowledge of Oregon’s Medicaid funded long-term-care system is grounded in trauma-informed practice and use of lean methodology to improve program outcomes and service equity. His research interests include caregiver workforce development and long-term-care policy.

Pruett graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BSBA in Public Administration from Hawaii Pacific University and holds an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Portland State University. In his spare time, he enjoys camping with his wife, two sons, and a beagle named Bandito. — Jason Pruett, Vice-Chair
Jason is a seasoned Program Manager with Aging & People with Disabilities. Pruett has extensive experience with program implementation and is recognized as a collaborative, results-oriented strategic thinker. His thorough knowledge of Oregon’s Medicaid funded long-term-care system is grounded in trauma-informed practice and use of lean methodology to improve program outcomes and service equity. His research interests include caregiver workforce development and long-term-care policy. Pruett graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BSBA in Public Administration from Hawaii Pacific University and holds an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Portland State University. In his spare time, he enjoys camping with his wife, two sons, and a beagle named Bandito.

Aubrey DuBois, Secretary
Aubrey DuBois is a core research analyst for the Office of Procurement Equity within the Department of Administrative Services. In her role, she analyzes procurement data to address the disparities faced by minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses in state contracting. Aubrey began her work with the state in 2023. Prior to this position, she spent many years in academia, focusing on research related to food and wine sensory science as well as fermentation microbiology. She holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from Purdue University and a master's degree in Food Science from Oregon State University.

Rochelle Rafn, Communications Coordinator
Rochelle is a seasoned professional with a background in data science and business management, holding an MBA and Master’s in Data Science from Willamette University. She discovered her passion for data analysis while owning and operating Rafns’ Restaurant and has since become dedicated to ethical and inclusive data practices. Currently, she is a Data Analyst at the Oregon Department of Revenue, specializing in Workforce Analytics and DEI. Rochelle also serves as the Executive Director of Salem Orchestra and as a board member of Travel Salem and Salem Harvest. In her personal time, she enjoys outdoor activities, singing, and playing violin.

Amelia works for an insurance company and was previously a Lead Research Analyst with various State of Oregon agencies starting in 2018. Her passions involve crafting insightful statistical analyses, developing technical solutions with teams, and providing expert guidance on research and evaluation methods. She's also a champion of open source and loves all things ops-related (DevOps, DataOps, MLOps, etc).
MSc in Mathematics - Dalhousie University
BSc in Physics and BA in Mathematics - California State University, Fullerton — Amelia Vargas, Volunteer Coordinator
Amelia works for an insurance company and was previously a Lead Research Analyst with various State of Oregon agencies starting in 2018. Her passions involve crafting insightful statistical analyses, developing technical solutions with teams, and providing expert guidance on research and uation methods. She's also a champion of open source and loves all things ops-related (DevOps, DataOps, MLOps, etc). MSc in Mathematics - Dalhousie University BSc in Physics and BA in Mathematics - California State University, Fullerton

Ariane Erickson, Web Coordinator
Ariane works at the Oregon Health Authority, where she develops data pipelines, interactive dashboards, and analytic tools to make public health data more accessible and actionable. Previously, she was a research scientist at a medical device startup, developing portable diagnostics for use in challenging settings. She earned a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Washington where she focused on novel cancer detection and treatment approaches and a B.S. from Montana Tech in her hometown of Butte, Montana. Her current interests include automation, predictive modeling, and improving the accessibility of public health data.

Allen C. Molina is an Economist for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Allen’s research interests include econometric modelling, non-market valuation of natural resources, and transportation economics. Allen oversees many projects in his role, including revenue projections, analysis of tax rate changes and revenue impact analysis. Research integrity, reliability and validity are core tenants of Allen’s philosophy on data analysis, and he hopes to share this philosophy with others researchers in the state.

Born in San Francisco California, Allen received his bachelor’s degree in Physics from San Francisco State University, and both his master’s degree in resource and applied economics and his PhD in Natural Resources and Sustainability from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. — Allen Molina, General Member
Allen C. Molina is an Economist for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Allen’s research interests include econometric modelling, non-market valuation of natural resources, and transportation economics. Allen oversees many projects in his role, including revenue projections, analysis of tax rate changes and revenue impact analysis. Research integrity, reliability and validity are core tenants of Allen’s philosophy on data analysis, and he hopes to share this philosophy with others researchers in the state. Born in San Francisco California, Allen received his bachelor’s degree in Physics from San Francisco State University, and both his master’s degree in resource and applied economics and his PhD in Natural Resources and Sustainability from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

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