Research and Education Director
Primary Responsibilities:
- Set strategy, direction and oversee the execution of research and education programs that align with the OWB strategic plan.
- Work with the Research Committee to prioritize research topics for annual funding and coordinate the evaluation and selection of successful research proposals.
- Track the progress of funded research projects and reporting; and create opportunities to present research findings and resulting impact/tactics/take-aways for the industry.
- Convene the Education Committee and subcommittees to develop curriculum for the annual Oregon Wine Symposium in the areas of enology, viticulture, sales/marketing, and executive/leadership.
- Oversee all OWB-funded research projects, including the Vineyard and Winery Census, Economic Impact Study, Wine Tourism Study, and Salary Survey.
- Engage with other organizations, such as Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research (NCSFR) and Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) as well as regional AVA associations, to leverage resources in support of timely research findings and education programs.
Bio:
When Jess Willey moved to Portland from New York in 2014, she set her sights on becoming part of Oregon’s wine industry. She joined the OWB that spring, leading its marketing programs for several years before assuming a new role managing industry communications, strategic planning, and research initiatives. After stepping away for three years, Jess rejoined the Oregon Wine Board in 2024 in the role of Research and Education Director.
Prior to her move to Oregon, Jess spent seven years at Unilever, managing innovations for national food and beverage brands in the U.S. and the U.K. With that strong foundation, she pivoted her career into wine, supporting a portfolio of European and South American producers for importer Palm Bay International in New York. Jess studied engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and received her MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business. She holds a WSET Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits.
Jess and her husband spend much of their time outside of work keeping up with the confoundingly busy life of their school-aged daughter. In the time that remains, Jess may be found on the golf course, enjoying live music, hiking around Oregon, or finally putting her feet up with a good book and a glass of Oregon wine.
