Leadership Team
Kay D. Toran, President/Chief Executive Officer
She joined the organization after 6 ½ years as the successful Director of Oregon’s Child Welfare agency. She also had a successful term of 7 ½ years as the Director of Oregon’s Affirmative Action Officer under Governor Vic Atiyeh.
Ms. Toran, after graduating from the University of Portland with a BA in Sociology/Psychology, married and moved to Wertheim Germany to join her husband. After returning to Portland, Oregon she began her career that included earning an MSW from the School of Social Work – Portland State University and later being hired as an Assistant Professor of Social Work – Portland State University and serving in several management positions in the State of Oregon during her ascent up the career ladder.
Ms. Toran has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership, effectiveness, and excellence serving those in our community. She has received an Honorary Doctorate Degree, University of Portland, Urban Pioneer Award, Portland State University, CEO of the Year for Non-Profits, Portland Business Journal, Ecumenist of the Year Award, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Award for Excellence, State Management Association, State of Oregon, Vic Atiyeh Award for Excellence in Education, Concordia University and numerous other awards from many other organizations. The Mayor of the City of Portland named a Day of Appreciation in her name for the significant contributions Ms. Toran has made to the community as a servant-leader and to those most vulnerable.
John Ng, Chief Financial Officer
Ann Allard-Robinett, Chief Operating Office
Ann earned her BA in History from University of California San Diego, and her Master’s in Organizational Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. Her professional career for the past 30+ years has been in nonprofit community healthcare. She is a strong and continuous advocate for providing the best care and quality of service to the community and building a workplace that is engaging and committed to the staff. Ann and her family relocated to Oregon a few years ago, after many bicycle trips throughout the state and finding an old farm in need of much tender and loving restoration.
Gloria Martin, Director of Human Resources
Gloria Martin joined VOA Oregon in 2016. She brings over 15 years of human resources experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. As HR Director, she provides leadership, guidance and consultation to VOA Oregon management, program directors, and employees on matters relevant to the development and maintenance of a high-performing, diverse culture. Her goal is to promote employee involvement, collaboration, and excellent service true to VOA Oregon’s mission.Gloria earned her BA degree from Marylhurst University in Interdisciplinary Studies – Human Resource Management and Organizational Communication. She is also a Certified Professional in HR (PHR and SHRM-PC), and Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS).
Carol Tatch, Development & Communications Manager
Carol comes to VOA Oregon grateful for the opportunity to help the most vulnerable populations in Oregon. She brings to VOA Oregon 27 years of development and fundraising experience and an excitement to get the work done! As a native of the Atlantic Southeast, Carol has found the Pacific Northwest to be the perfect place to hone her skills and talents in the non-profit social justice and social services areas. An avid listener, her favorite words to say are, “Tell me your story.”Carol has certifications in Nonprofit Management, Meeting and Event Planning, Management, and recently completed WVDO’s Executive Leadership Academy. As a non-stop learner, she embraces the opportunities that continually arise from education and training.
Pam Kelly, Division Director for Treatment and Prevention Services
Pam has a Bachelors degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in Management and Public Administration, and a Masters degree in Social Work. She completed a post-master’s training and certification program in Marital & Family Therapy and is a certified chemical dependency counselor. Ms. Kelly has worked in the field of chemical dependency, mental health, family therapy, and offender rehabilitation for the past 20 years. She has broad experience in developing and managing social service programs serving these populations. Her experience includes serving as the Treatment Director for the Broward County Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), directing the Dual-Diagnosis Adolescent Unit (Charter Ridge Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky), and serving as the Program Director for the Women’s Residential Center at VOA Oregon, treating high-risk, dually-diagnosed offenders.
Elizabeth Sherman, Division Director of Children and Family Programs
Elizabeth Sherman has led services for families at VOA Oregon for over 19 years. She managed programs for families with Child Welfare involvement, strengthening parenting and facilitating reunification. She has also directed our partnership with Home Forward Public Housing to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles and academic success among youth and families at five sites. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and is a Certified Prevention Specialist.