Our Staff Team / About Emily
Emily Gilliland
Chief Operating Officer
Emily Gilliland (she/her) joined Children’s Institute in July 2024. Emily has extensive experience building and managing strong, high impact organizations at the local, state and national levels. Prior to CI, Emily served as Interim CEO of Cascade AIDS Project, promoting well-being and advancing equity by providing inclusive health and wellness services for LGBTQ+ people, people affected by HIV, and all those seeking compassionate care. Prior to CAP, as President and CEO of Camp Fire Columbia, Emily led a team engaging over 3,000 youth each year in child care, out of school time, and summer camps. Her experience also includes lead content development for the first launch of freedomcorps.gov, the White House’s landmark volunteerism website, creating Portland State University’s first certificate in service learning as well as serving as Executive Director of Oregon Campus Compact then HandsOn Network, a network of over 250 volunteer centers.
Gilliland is a two-time AmeriCorps alum and has served more than nine years between two state commissions on service and volunteerism, including serving as the Chair of the Oregon Commission for Voluntary Action and Service.
Emily holds a philosophy degree from Indiana University and a master’s in liberal arts from St. John’s College.