Heather Ramsey is running for Lake Oswego City Council in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Four seats are open, and voters may choose up to four candidates, according to Multnomah County’s November ballot content (https://multco.us/file/ballot_content_-nov.2026/download). The other candidates are Bryan Guiney, Neil Tunmore, Patrick Walsh, Peren Tiemann and Suzanne Miles, all nonpartisan.

Asked why she is running, Ramsey said in our questionnaire: "My family moved to Lake Oswego because of the schools and decided to stay here because of the community we found. I'm running because there is a lot turnover on the council and in city government and I know I've got the leadership expertise and trusted relationships to help lead us through this change."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: "Undeclared," Ramsey said in our questionnaire.

Education: Ramsey said in our questionnaire: "Northeastern University, B.S., Business Management" and "Argosy University, M.A., Mental Health Counseling."

Family: Ramsey said in our questionnaire: "I'm originally from New Hampshire, with what I like to call 'scrappy New England roots.' I'm the daughter of two teachers who each worked more than one job to make ends meet. My stepfather was a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam and later served in the local sheriff's department. … My husband and I met in college and have been married for 27 years. His demanding career with the FBI and other federal agencies took our family across the U.S. and abroad, with 10 moves in 32 years, before we landed in Lake Oswego."

Previous elected or appointed office: "None," Ramsey said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Asked about her work history, Ramsey said in our questionnaire: "Having now been an executive coach and leadership development consultant for the last 20 years, I've worked with major companies and their C-suite executive teams in construction, insurance, finance, other professional services, startups, nonprofits, government contractors, and government."

She is a Lake Oswego Rotary Club member and a volunteer coordinator for the Lake Oswego High School Mock Interview program, according to her campaign website.

Asked about accomplishments, Ramsey said in our questionnaire: "I led the Citizens' Campaign for the 2025 LOSD Bond, which passed with 72% of the vote. I also chaired the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where I still serve as an active board member. While living overseas, I chaired employee wellness and morale boards at the U.S. Embassies in Cairo, Egypt, and Rome, Italy, supporting colleagues far from home. Closer to home, budget cuts eliminated the counselor who ran Lake Oswego High School's Mock Interview program, so I worked with two other parents to save it."

Her campaign website lists endorsements from Lake Oswego City Council members Ali Afghan, Rachel Verdick, Trudy Corrigan and John Wendland. The Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce and several school board members also endorsed her, according to her endorsements page.

On the issues

Asked what sets her apart, Ramsey said in our questionnaire: "First, I am already a trusted partner across this community. Unlike candidates entering this space for the first time, I bring a proven track record of deep engagement across our city. … Second, having lived in many communities across the U.S. and overseas, I bring valuable perspective. Finally, my leadership expertise suits the challenges ahead, from council and city government turnover to the many issues facing our city."

On her campaign website, Ramsey said she prioritizes balancing state housing mandates with local needs while preserving community character. She also said she supports keeping infrastructure improvements on time and on budget, including the Foothills district and the library, and supporting local businesses.

Asked about the best advice she ever received, Ramsey said in our questionnaire: "From my late stepfather: 'Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see.' … He actually instilled in me that there are many perspectives to every story and that I need to get curious."

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.