Officers
Our officers keep JETAA running. They take care of the behind-the-scenes work and plan the various special events that JETAA holds year round. Scroll down to learn more about our officers
Committee Chairs
Our Committee Chairs are responsible for various tasks around JETAA, such as hosting our monthly events and managing our website.

Social Media Manager
[Open Position]
Meet the Officers
President
Although it has been years since I returned from JET Program, I’ve always felt that I could provide more mentorship to my fellow Alumni and kohais, and to those who are starting their journey into the next chapter of their lives. And a chance to find my Sempais again. I thank everyone who has opened their arms to making me feel like a member of this association again.
My first goal is to help provide more opportunities to reconnect with more of our alumni members and bring more back to fold to help grow our association. Also, would like to help grow our satellite chapters and connect those alumni in different areas.
Having been both an ALT and a CIR, those experiences can shed more light into the mysteries that our new participants may ask. Then my professional career since JET would also provide some leadership/management skills to help keep our association running smoothly and find other opportunities/activities to grow and hope solicit more participation.

Fun Facts about Rob
What konbini snack do you miss most?
Onigiri and any konbini bento.
What's the best thing about being back?
Able to drive a stick shift with my right hand and drive on the "right-side" of the road.
What's your favorite Ramen?
Hakata Tonkatsu Ramen & Sapporo Miso Ramen
What's the hardest thing about being back?
Reverse culture shock and missing my Japanese family.
Treasurer
This is my first time serving as a JETAA Portland officer and I’m truly excited to be part of the team. My time on the JET Program was life-changing. I spent five memorable years in Japan, experiences that are hard to sum up in words.
Although my original departure consulate was in Los Angeles, not Portland, I’ve been active in JETAA events since moving here in 2021. From serving as an interviewer to supporting pre-departure events, I’ve come to understand the value of a supportive community of like-minded people—people who just get it.
As Treasurer, my goal is to be financially responsible while helping to create meaningful opportunities that alumni genuinely want to be a part of. Community engagement is at the heart of our alumni group so I hope to keep things collaborative—I’d love to hear your ideas and feedback so we can fully utilize what JETAA has to offer.
On a more personal note, I received my MA in Japanese studies at Portland State University, enjoy reading, cross-stitching, cooking, and going on nature walks in beautiful Oregon. My Japan-related interests include manga studies, feminism in Japanese literature, continued language learning, and trying to keep my dwindling Kansai-ben alive! よろしくお願い致します。

Fun Facts about Ceres
What konbini snack do you miss most?
Famichiki, the boneless fried chicken from Lawson's
What's the best thing about being back?
Being close enough to easily visit friends and family
What's your favorite Ramen?
Akamaru Modern from Ippudo
What's the hardest thing about being back?
Not getting to see the beautiful autumn leaves in Kyoto

Fun Facts about Abbie
What konbini snack do you miss most?
There are so many snacks that I miss, but currently I am missing onigiri, sobapan, acerola drinks, 期間限定 snacks, Energy In Jelly and Coolish.
What's the best thing about being back?
The best thing about being back in the US is being close to family.
What's your favorite Ramen?
I love Yuzu Shio ramen and tonkotsu ramen.
What's the hardest thing about being back?
The hardest part about being back is that I always have half of my heart missing and wishing I was in Japan again.
Secretary

Fun Facts about Grant
What konbini snack do you miss most?
What's the best thing about being back?
What's your favorite Ramen?
What's the hardest thing about being back?