About Us

Our association is the Oregon State Chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

About OAHU

OAHU is a non-profit organization of insurance professionals dedicated to serving the public by strengthening the insurance marketplace, advocating for effective legislation, ethical leadership and professional standards, and by educating our members and the consumers they serve.

The Oregon Association of Health Underwriters (OAHU) is the state's largest association for health insurance agents, brokers and other professionals. Our members help millions of Oregonians find, purchase and use their health care coverage, resulting in greater health and financial security. We recognize the health care system can be overwhelming for consumers who interact with it only occasionally. Through education and training programs, we enhance the ability of our membership to provide better and more complete service. Through our members' community and political involvement we seek to improve communities throughout Oregon. Through our legislative efforts, we have fought for the rights of consumers relative to costs and the ability to continue purchasing health care and the financing for it through the private sector. Our members have a unique understanding of consumer health care needs, the perspective of business owners and the economic realities of health insurance markets.

About the Agent, Broker or Consultant

OAHU health insurance agents, brokers and consultants are highly qualified professionals who are trained and experienced in guiding individuals and employers through the complexities of choosing appropriate, affordable health plans. These professionals must be licensed by the Oregon Department of Insurance. An agent must complete continuing education in order to keep that license. Through OAHU, they keep abreast of new developments and standards in the health insurance industry, learn about new options that may better serve their clients, and, because they usually represent a number of insurance companies, can offer a wide range of options and alternatives.

The independence of the agent offers a very important distinction in that their objective is to keep the client for a lifetime. Since the client can end the relationship at any time, the agent is motivated to help the client decide on the best possible plan for his or her needs, and provide ongoing service after the sale.

OAHU believes that our members hold a unique position as an advocate for the health plan consumer and can be a valuable player in progress toward the right kind of health care reform.

Thank you for visiting our website, and please contact any of our board members for additional information.

OAHU Board of Directors

Local Chapters

Portland Association of Health Underwriters - PAHU 2012

2012 Board of Directors

President Chelyn Briand

President-Elect Jill Pedersen

Past President Mike Welch

Secretary Ruben Garcia

Treasurer Jennifer Wakayama

Education Chair Alex Gillet

Legislative Chair Tim Rasch

Membership Retention Audrey Schumacher

Spring Forum Chair Kelly Pastore

Awards Chair Karemn Bickel

Programs Chair Diane Ostby

PR/Media Chair Leigh Colgan

Willamette Valley Association of Health Underwriters - WVAHU
2012 Board Members

President Jamie Sewell

President Elect Mike Beyrouty

Past President Jeff Friedhoff

Awards Dawn Miller 

Programs Chair Marci Stauffer

Treasurer Mike Beyrouty

Legislative Co-Chair Terri Olson

Legislative Co-Chair Doug Sheffer

Secretary TJ Sullivan

Membership Lisa Tracy

Membership Chris Boone

East Cascades Association of Health Underwriters - ECAHU
2012 Board of Directors

President Tammy Cassell

President-Elect
Immediate Past President Gerard Krug

Secretary Leana Morton

Membership Chair Michelle Thomas

Treasurer Darla Owens

Communications Chair Brad Westphal

Media Relations Chair Richard Ross

Legislative John Wright

Administrative Office

OAHU, c/o VanNatta Public Relations
Harvey Gail
Ruben Garcia
PO Box 493
Salem, Oregon 97308
Phone number (toll-free) 1-877-412-OAHU(6248)
Fax number 503-585-8547