Gary Conkling
Partner
Gary Conkling is a co-founder of CFM and its managing partner. His practice includes state lobbying and strategic communications.
Gary is an adjunct faculty member at Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management, teaching a course on crisis communications and issues management.
In 1990, Gary formed CFM by orchestrating a spinout from Tektronix, where he was director of public affairs when the company was Oregon’s largest private employer.
Gary joined Tektronix after working in Washington, D.C. as staff director for Oregon Congressmen Les AuCoin and Ron Wyden, now Oregon’s senior senator. Previously, he worked as a newspaper editor and reporter. He graduated from Seattle Pacific University. An avid New York Yankees fan, Gary enjoys hiking, biking and the arts.
- Chair, Professional Services Council, a member-led organization that includes top professionals from the architecture, accounting, advertising, engineering, legal, management consulting, marketing and public relations sectors. Member and former chair, Metropolitan Exposition-Recreation Commission, which manages the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Expo and the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. Co-founder, Business Education Compact, one of the oldest and most successful organizations that offers educator and student internships in business settings to connect the classroom with the world of work.