Sam Diaz

Executive Director, 1000 Friends of Oregon
Founding member of the Bull Run Center

Sam is the Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, where he leads the organization’s fiscal stewardship, policy direction, and strategic vision while advancing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A graduate of Colgate University and Lewis & Clark Law School, he brings extensive experience from state and local government as well as conservation philanthropy across the American West. Well-versed in Oregon’s land use planning system, Sam previously strengthened 1000 Friends’ community education programs, coalition-building, and policy advocacy, and later served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Mayor of Portland.

Sam’s perspective is shaped by his family’s history in the Bracero Program and his upbringing in Northern California’s rural communities—experiences that ground his commitment to listening to and working with Oregonians across the state. Inspired by places that bring people together, he finds joy in Oregon’s trails, fairs, and community gatherings. Outside of work, Sam enjoys backpacking, paddleboarding, tennis, cooking from local chefs’ cookbooks, and sharing movies and music with family and friends. He lives in Portland with his partner and cat.