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Elected Officials
Rick Scholl
Mayor
rscholl@sthelensoregon.gov
503-396-1653
A third generation St. Helens resident, Mayor Rick Scholl graduated from St. Helens High School before taking classes in landscaping and irrigation at Portland Community College. He started his own yard maintenance business based in St. Helens in 2005. Scholl sits on the board of the St. Helens Alano Club.
During his time on the St. Helens City Council, Scholl hopes to invest in community youth and encourage the creation of more activities for young residents to enjoy. Scholl also plans to address affordable housing issues. “Everyone should have a chance to own a piece of property,” says Scholl. “It’s part of the American dream.” Scholl believes that one way to address housing issues is by building better relationships between St. Helens elected officials, City staff, and community partners.
Assignments: Administration Department, Community Development Department, and Public Works Department
Term expires: 12/31/2024
Jessica Chilton
Council President
jchilton@sthelensoregon.gov
971-203-6227
Council President Jessica Chilton, a 2008 graduate of St. Helens High School, was inspired to run for Council by a love and passion for her community. She previously attended Portland Community College, Western Oregon University, and Concordia University, where she studied psychology and minored in art.
Chilton has served the St. Helens community over the course of many years and in many roles. She works as an alcohol and drug counselor for Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH); has served as a coach and member of the St. Helens Girls’ Softball Board; is a nine-year member and two-time Sports Woman of the Year Award recipient at the Moose Lodge; and has served as an elected state representative for Columbia and Clatsop Counties. Her involvement in the Columbia County Drug Court Program, Head Start Policy Council, Columbia County Health Coalition, and the CCMH events committee gives her a wide perspective on the heart of the St. Helens community and keeps her attuned to the city’s needs.
As a member of the St. Helens City Council, Chilton looks forward to addressing the continuing growth of St. Helens. She hopes to play a role in the development of the waterfront, growing commerce in St. Helens, addressing housing needs for families, and placing priority on youth sports/recreation through parks, sporting facilities, and youth development programs that enrich job or college readiness.
Chilton draws support and inspiration from her family: her husband and two daughters (ages 12 and 4). She is excited to be a driven voice for her neighbors and her community.
Assignments: Administration Department, Community Development Department, and Public Works Department
Term expires: 12/31/2024
Mark Gundersen
City Councilor
mgundersen@sthelensoregon.gov
Mark Gundersen has lived in St. Helens since 1995. Working for a community mental health provider, Gundersen is an aid and assist liaison between Columbia County and the State hospital. He has served on the St. Helens Budget Committee for two years and sits on the Scappoose Bay Marine Board. In the past, he was heavily involved in coaching football, basketball, and softball. He is married, with two grown children. He enjoys fishing when he has the opportunity.
Gundersen is interested in promoting public safety and investing in quality tourism as a city councilor. He wants to ensure that the St. Helens Police Department has the funding that it needs. He is also interested in supporting local small businesses and sees tourism as one avenue to assist in that goal.
Assignments: Planning Commission
Term expires: 12/31/2026
Russell Hubbard
City Councilor
rhubbard@sthelensoregon.gov
Russell Hubbard is a fourth-generation Oregonian who has lived in St. Helens since 2010. He previously served on the St. Helens Planning Commission for nine years. During his time on the Commission, he held the roles of vice chair and chair. He has served on the Columbia River PUD board of directors since 2022 and represents customers in St. Helens.
Hubbard has owned and operated his own construction and development company for over 40 years. His company has been awarded a City of Portland Development Review Award for creative work spaces and a Governor’s Livability Award honoring exemplary developments that support Oregon’s urban goals.
Hubbard is interested in furthering building and economic development for businesses while serving on the St. Helens City Council. His goal is to support a thriving and safe community
Assignments: Library Department and Library Board
Term expires: 12/31/2024
Brandon Sundeen
City Councilor
bsundeen@sthelensoregon.gov
503-396-2178
Brandon Sundeen is a fifth-generation Columbia County resident and has lived in St. Helens his entire life. He has recently served on the St. Helens Parks and Recreation Commission and is the vice president of the Columbia County Museum Association. Sundeen is an online high school Spanish teacher. He is married and has two children. He enjoys being active and serving in his local church.
As a city councilor, Sundeen wants to ensure that the City invests in parks that are maintained and well utilized. Promoting civic pride and fostering a community that people can be proud of is another one of his main objectives. He hopes to make people aware and appreciative of the history of St. Helens.
Assignments: Police Department and Parks & Trails Commission
Term expires: 12/31/2026
