TESS BUCHANNAN

GAIN Chair of The Board of Directors

GAIN Email: chair@gainhighered.org

Board Member Responsibilities: Oversee all board operations, Excellence Awards Committee, and Liaise with related organizations

Institution: Reed College

Position at Institution: Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

LinkedIn: Tess Buchannan

Originally from northern Colorado, I cut my teeth in advocacy work with the nonprofit SPLASH Northern Colorado - an organization that provides resources and programming for LGBTQIA+ youth. I served as an Ambassador, Event Planner, and Board Co-Chair over the course of 4 years. I learned how to work with diverse people, sprawling events, and networks of allies. Eventually, I was drawn to the Pacific Northwest by something inextricable. Going to college gave me the opportunity to act on that pull, and I settled in Portland to attend Reed College, where I graduated with a degree in Cultural Anthropology. Post-graduation, I leaped into higher education through a stint in the Linfield University Registrar’s Office, followed by a role within the Reed College Alumni Relations Office. The desire to return to advocacy and event planning was strong, and joining GAIN’s board to help with the annual conference seemed like a perfect fusion of my interests and background. I am passionate about expanding our programming to be more inclusive of people from various walks of life. After having a blast putting on our 2023 Conference, I applied to be our incoming chair.