Staff

Tyrone grew up in Silverton, Oregon. His background is in political reform work, advocating for increased transparency and accountability in government and politics. Tyrone has also worked for and volunteered with a number of ballot initiative campaigns, acquiring a first hand understanding of Oregon's initiative process.
Tyrone graduated with a Master's of Public Administration from the University of Oregon. His studies focused on political reform, and decision-making in volunteer-based organizations. In his time off he enjoys travelling with his wife, rock climbing around Oregon, and barbequing for his friends. He is also an avid (and award winning) home brewer.

Elliot Shuford, Co-Director
elliot@healthydem.org
Elliot was born in Salem and grew up hunting and fishing throughout the state. Elliot holds a Master's of Public Administration the University of Oregon, where his focus was on new democratic processes. Elliot has training in several methods of group process and has worked as a professional facilitator.
Elliot's has worked as a performance auditor for the State of Oregon and had internships with US Senator Mark O Hatfield and the Department of Human Services. Elliot is a member of Portland’s Citizen Campaign Commission which assists the city with its publicly financed election system. Also a member of the Mazama’s mountaineering association, Elliot enjoys climbing and back-country skiing.

Mike Beard, Research & Outreach Coordinator
mike@healthydem.org
Mike Beard is Healthy Democracy Oregon’s Outreach and Research Director.
Mike has served in top-level public affairs positions at four Oregon state agencies, a major forest products trade group and a national non-profit organization. Mike also directed communications for the Oregon Senate Republican Caucus and directed primary and general election communications and media relations for two Oregon gubernatorial campaigns.
Early in his career, Mike joined the Associated Press as an editor after graduating from Ohio University. Mike then became an award-winning editor, reporter and news anchor in radio and television. He has served on a variety of professional boards and committees. In his spare time, Mike enjoys traveling Oregon’s backcountry and exploring the state’s rivers and lakes by canoe and kayak.


