Salem, Oregon – Rep. Shannon Isadore, representing Portland’s House District 33, is one of three newly appointed members to the Oregon Cultural Trust’s Board of Directors. Joining Rep. Isadore are Amber Faist, an enrolled citizen of the Coquille Indian Tribe and of KoKwel, Coos and Siuslaw descent, and Lydia Heins, Executive Director of Coos Art Museum.
Appointed by Gov. Tina Kotek, each will serve a four-year term. The Oregon Cultural Trust plays a vital role in enriching our state’s cultural resources, supporting more than 1,700 cultural organizations and nonprofits across Oregon.
“As we embark on the 25th year of the Oregon Cultural Trust, we are thrilled to welcome this talented set of leaders to help us steward Oregon’s cultural future,” said Amy Lewin, Arts & Culture Director. “Their insights, contributions of time and expertise build upon a unique tradition established a generation ago to make culture count, essential work that is transforming communities in every corner of the state.”
ABOUT REP. ISADORE
Appointed ex-officio, Rep. Isadore brings a deep commitment to community and public service. Her district in Portland includes Downtown, Northwest Portland, Linnton and Cathedral Park. Rep. Isadore has long championed civic participation and believes in the power of the arts to connect neighbors, spark dialogue and strengthen community life.
Rooted in Oregon’s vibrant urban spirit and surrounded by some of the region’s most treasured forests, Rep. Isadore values the intersection of natural beauty and cultural creativity. Her work has emphasized building inclusive opportunities for all Oregonians, whether through supporting small businesses, expanding access to health care or encouraging creative expression as a cornerstone of community well‑being.
Isadore is dedicated to fostering accessibility, equity and innovation in the arts, ensuring that Oregon’s cultural landscape continues to thrive and reflect the diverse voices of its people.
ABOUT AMBER FAIST
Amber Faist serves as the Chief Programs Officer for the Northwest Native Chamber, where she leads regional strategies for entrepreneurship, clean energy and workforce development. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that economic resilience must be culturally grounded; she excels at building cross-sector partnerships that honor Tribal sovereignty while expanding access to capital.
A committed advocate for heritage and community, Faist also serves as Co-Chair of the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Culture, Education and Language Services Advisory Committee. In this role, she helps steward vital language revitalization efforts and community-driven educational programming. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Faist leverages her background in business entrepreneurship to strengthen Oregon’s landscape through collaborative leadership that protects and celebrates Indigenous culture.
ABOUT LYDIA HEINS
Lydia Heins was appointed Executive Director of the Coos Art Museum in 2023, bringing over a decade of diverse leadership experience across STEM and cultural institutions. With a B.A. in History from Linfield University and an M.A. in Museum Studies from University College London, she blends academic rigor with a deep passion for the arts.
Heins is dedicated to the coastal cultural community, focusing her efforts on cultural education, community engagement and regional economic prosperity. By transitioning from STEAM-focused collections back to her roots in arts and culture, she excels at highlighting diverse artists and global perspectives. Under her leadership, the museum prioritizes fostering local relationships and promoting the transformative power of arts education within the community.
Rep. Isadore, Faist and Heins began their four-year terms in early November 2025.
