A candid interview with PAHU past President, Jill Pedersen
Name: Jill Pedersen
Title: Benefits Advisor
Business: Columbia Benefit Solutions, Inc.
Location: Lake Oswego
City you live in: Oregon City
Worst Job: Orange Julius as a teenager – squeezing oranges on an electric juicer, hour after hour during the holidays was no fun! The palms of my hands were bruised for weeks. I learned that I am not cut out for manual labor, and then I became a mom!
Dream Job: I have it – mother to 3 amazing boys! But, if you are referring to a “paying” job I would love to be a nurse or doctor – I just don’t have what it takes to pass chemistry and calculus…I’ve seen my kids homework! I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a kid. My mom would make me a nurse’s hat and pin it on my head – that dates me!
Favorite Restaurant in Portland: TBD. Still sampling my way through the culinary offerings in town. I’m from the southwest (transplant of 8 years) and have yet to find a good Mexican spot up here – recommendations would be appreciated!
Favorite Outdoor Activities: Anything poolside! It’s what I call good, clean, fun! I enjoy camping and short day hikes also, but laying by the pool with palm trees and sunshine trumps it all!
Finish this sentence…”I’m at my happiest when…” I am with my family. After 22 years, I am still married to my best friend and I look forward to our weekly dates away from the kids. We have handsome, respectful, sharp (yes, I’m bragging) boys who are creative and make us laugh every day. I actually look forward to going home and spending time with all of them!
Favorite movie is… “ELF” – “Smiling’s my favorite!” “Santa’s Here!” Make’s me smile and I quote it all year!
Advice for my Future Self: Keep it simple. (I was going to add something else, but then it would negate my own advice!)
Group/organization/demographic you are most driven to help: I’m a softie for kids.
I talk the most about… Right now, it’s a tossup between pediatric dental and my kids. Depends on the day!
When I have an out-of-town visitor, the top 3 things they should do in Oregon are… #1 Visit in August – you are least likely to encounter rain. #2 Multnomah Falls – it is breathtaking to whoever sees it. #3 Sellwood antique malls – shop till you drop.
How do you take your coffee … I don’t. I’m not a coffee drinker. If I’m feeling wild and crazy at lunch time I have a Diet Coke on the rocks with a twist!
If you were a super hero what would your super power be and why? I would love to be able to fly. Traffic is a killer….purely selfish, right?!
