“I am a Salem son” is how Sam Skillern, retiring director of the Salem Leadership Foundation (SLF), describes himself. Having attended Baker Elementary (1-3), McKinley (4-6) Leslie Jr. High and South Salem High, class of '77, he wears his Salem heritage as a badge of honor. He graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Journalism in 1982, and spent 14 years working in business consulting in Seattle, where he met his wife Jennifer.
Sam was recruited by a couple of his Saxon classmates, Martin Barrett and Peter Chamberlain, to become the director of the fledgling Salem Leadership Foundation in 1996. The Skillern’s moved into the Grant Neighborhood of North Salem to “immerse ourselves in neighborhood work, and to raise our sons, Samuel and Andrew. In this way I get to say, equally proudly, that I'm a Saxon Grad and a Viking Dad.”
Sam’s work with SLF has given him many opportunities to help connect communities to services and to create stronger neighborhoods. SLF’s mission is “We believe that Salem-Keizer will be the healthiest community in Oregon: the city of Shalom. We engage people of faith and people of goodwill to transform the community neighborhood by neighborhood.” Since 1996, Sam has worked tirelessly at this goal. Let’s stop and look at how Sam and SLF have helped mold our city and how he views this community he loves.
Ben Mah
Sam Skillern
What is your favorite thing about Salem?
It's not too big, not too small, and within an hour of the coast, mountains, Portland, and world-class wine country. We don't have everything (food/arts/fun/sports) but we have at least one example of most everything. Compared to the Salem of the 1970s, we have TONS to do.
What is your favorite thing to do in Salem?
For seven years it was being a Band Dad and engaging the amazing music programs in Salem Keizer Public Schools. Now it's discovering, by walking, the neighborhoods and historical treasures we still have standing despite the terrible 'tear-down-itis' our City suffered after the Capitol burned in 1935.
Which accomplishment through SLF are you most proud of?
The development of the Churches as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers collaborative, which helps churches serve their neighbors and nearby schools in meaningful ways. People-of-faith and people-of-goodwill working together for good. We have monthly meetings and a funding program that helps congregations expand their capacity to serve. Some of the fruits of the CaN Centers methodology include Salem Free Clinics, The NW Hub Bicycle Program, Salem Dream Center, Family Promise, Church@the Park, and Salem for Refugees.
Do you have any parting words of wisdom for your successor?
Kyle Dickinson is going to take our team and mission to even higher levels of impact. We have exchanged many SLF axioms, including 'Show Up and Stick With It' and 'If it Ain't Broke don't Fix it (but Always Hone)' and he knows he has my full confidence and blessings. He will continue to lead the team in SLF's classic methodologies (CaN Centers, Community Partnership Teams, neighborhood field staff) even as he introduces new ideas that enhance the SLF mission, namely a program called the Nonprofit Capacity-Builder.
We know you love a good sweater vest, is there a story behind this staple of your wardrobe?
When I was in junior high at Leslie (the old, real Leslie), I discovered three of my Dad's woolen sweater vests — gold, brown and grey — in a drawer. They had been my grandfather's before that. I wore all three down to the nubs and then Disco sheen took over. As a young pro in Seattle, I didn't wear vests to work, but loved them for holidays.
Working at SLF I am privileged to engage tables of influence and serve in the grit of the neighborhoods. If I wore a suit, I was at home City Council or the Chamber, but overdressed for the school or food bank. If I wore jeans and a golf shirt, I was underdressed for the fundraiser or board meeting. The solution? My old friend "Vest!" With an Oxford shirt, vest, khaki pants and sneakers, I can serve both my worlds in quirky style.
What does Salem need that it doesn't have?
Greater (but environmentally gentle) public proximity to the Willamette River. Riverfront Park was a huge breakthrough and The Cannery project will be the next big step. Housing, dining, recreation, views, historical markers, etc.
Favorite fictional character?
George Bailey. Talk about a guy who shows up and sticks with it, not for self-benefit, but a life built around serving others. Fame, fortune, pleasure and globe-trotting were the temptations, but he stayed home and helped everyday people (and immigrants) build lives.
Person you admire most?
Jesus of Nazareth. Some scoff when folks say this. It is not of religious obligation or cultural fad that I name Jesus. No other human has impacted the world so significantly. He was revolutionary in his teachings on life, dignity, relationships, health, perseverance, reconciliation, faith, love, and hope.
Any tips for people looking to volunteer in the community?
Grow from volunteering ("what I do") to servanthood ("who I am") as we share time and talent with others. Pick one or two things and go deep; don't spread too thin. See your work as "mutual transformation" rather than "I'm helping someone down and out." In other words, "We" instead of "Us and Them." Pick something close to your heart, but also make you a little uncomfortable.
Most interesting historical fact you have learned about Salem?
I was fortunate to learn Salem-Keizer history from two late-greats: George Strozut and John Ritter. It's kinda cool that the original Kalapuya name (Chemeketa — communal meeting place) and the settler name (Salem/Shalom-place of peace) are congruent.
Also, for better or worse, decisions that get made in that 'big-white-building-with-the-gold-guy-on-top' affect not only Oregon, but the whole country. Right in the middle of our little western city. There are many examples from environmental law (Bottle Bill, Beach Law) to health care to land use, etc.
Cats or dogs?
Whiskers, Crodsie, Big Red, (Jumping Jack) Flash, Cincinnati Red (Cincy), Pepper and Nutmeg. Cats!
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 22 (Winter 2024/25)