Branda Jurasek is a senior executive and community leader with more than twenty years of experience in international trade and public education. She is a Vice President of a global business and is responsible for leading commercial operations in the forest products industry.
Branda L. Jurasek was born in Missoula, Montana. She completed her secondary education at Big Sky High School in Missoula. After high school, she pursued a degree in finance at Arizona State University in Tempe, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. She later enrolled at Portland State University and completed her Master of Business Administration.
As a Vice President at her company, Branda manages international trade activity within the forest products sector. Her role includes overseeing market strategy, pricing alignment, operational forecasting, and managing commercial relationships across different geographic regions. This work requires attention to detail, steady planning, and close coordination with global partners.
Her career began at the Bank of Tokyo in Portland. While there, she worked in international banking and finance. This experience helped her build an early understanding of global trade and corporate investment. Later, she moved into the forest products industry, starting with solid wood and lumber. Over the years, her focus shifted to pulp and paper. With that change came broader strategic roles and increased responsibilities.
Branda also served in a senior leadership role at a family-owned business in Missoula, Montana. The company had 25 employees and produced annual revenues exceeding seven million dollars. Leading in that environment required a direct, hands-on approach. She could not wait for issues to resolve on their own. Instead, she addressed problems immediately, dealt with personnel matters, and tracked profitability regularly. That time helped her develop stronger operational skills and taught her how to lead in fast-paced settings.
Branda once served a local educational institution. Her involvement began through her children’s experiences in the district. Her interest grew over time, and she eventually joined in a formal capacity. In her role, she studied the financial side of education and learned how budget decisions could affect staffing and programming. She contributed by reviewing policy, supporting the superintendent, evaluating budgets, and helping approve district planning initiatives. Her background in finance and business supported her efforts to bring performance-based thinking into discussions. She attended work sessions, participated in events, and kept in contact with school administrators to stay updated on priorities.
Branda has dedicated over 10 years to volunteer work as a coach in youth sports. She has coached boys’ and girls’ teams in both soccer and basketball. Her responsibilities included preparing practices, communicating with parents, organizing games, and managing teams during the season. She also helped with local events, such as track meets, by assisting with field operations and logistics. Her involvement contributed to events that supported young athletes and their families.
Earlier in her life, she volunteered at the Portland Crisis Helpline. In that role, she provided support to people in distress, including those dealing with domestic violence and suicide risk. This work required compassion and the ability to remain calm during difficult conversations.
Branda Jurasek brings a disciplined and focused approach to leadership. She works toward long-term outcomes and encourages clear communication across teams. She emphasizes thoughtful decision-making and avoids reacting quickly without careful consideration. She tracks key performance measures to maintain accountability and values transparent systems that support consistent results.
In governance, Branda supported collaboration and practical decision-making. She believed in improving student outcomes, managing resources with care, and maintaining a professional environment. She approached this work with specific goals and looked for measurable results. She communicated respectfully with educators, parents, and staff while maintaining a shared commitment to student success.
Branda supports educational settings that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need for the future. She believes that a strong education includes academics, athletics, technical training, and creative opportunities. She values clarity in expectations, alignment of resources, and ongoing professional development for educators. Her approach to communication, shaped by her business experience, is based on openness and responsiveness.
Outside of work, Branda enjoys being in nature, especially near rivers or sitting by a campfire. Her love for sports continues, and she regularly attends high school and college games while also supporting her children’s athletic involvement. She appreciates live performances such as concerts and theater, which offer cultural experiences and connect her with the broader community.
Branda is married and has two children. Her family is part of the Scappoose School District, where both children are enrolled. This connection has given her direct insight into the public school system and continues to shape her priorities as a community advocate.
