Charles Gallia is a fifth-generation Oregonian whose connection to Clackamas County runs deep. Charles, his brother, and sister were raised by a single mom, with help from their forest ranger grandfather. Together, these powerful role models gave them an appreciation of the outdoors, encouraged independent thinking, and a good sense of humor even when times are tough.

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Born in St. Helens and raised in Clackamas County (literally off Roots Road) Gallia attended local public schools. He went on to get a Bachelor’s in Political Science, a Middle East Specialist Certificate, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy from Portland State University. He recently expanded his skills with a certificate in Non-profit Finance from Cornell and the NOLS Wilderness EMT course.

 

Charles has experience in both the private and public sectors. He ran a small business and later, a non-profit geared toward aiding low-income people with health care. His greatest pride is his record of collaborative action. He is a co-founder of the Oregon Pediatric Improvement Partnership (OPIP), a public-private partnership that has driven profound, measurable change for Oregon families. Through OPIP’s work, Charles helped ensure that Oregon children with special health care needs are identified and receive appropriate care. The rate of developmental screening for children in Oregon went from one of the lowest to the best in the US. This is the kind of meaningful, effective work he is dedicated to bringing to the State House.