House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron
R-Salem
District 19
Biography
A self described family man, business man and community leader; Kevin Cameron has proven that citizens can make a difference by being involved and leading by example. Kevin Cameron was appointed to represent House District 19 in 2005. Now serving in his third term as State Representative he sets a strong example for leadership within the Republican House Caucus as Minority Deputy Leader. Throughout his life Kevin has always had a passion and heart for community service and leadership - both personally and in his business.
Occupation: Small Business Owner; Founder and CEO of Cafe Today Restaurants
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Oregon State University
Governmental Experience: Appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2005, elected in 2007 and 2009.
Community Involvement: Morning Star Community Church Leadership, Battle Creek Little League, West Salem High School Foundation, Oregon State University Alumni Association, Oregon State University Athletic Scholarship Foundation, Oregon Restaurant Association Leadership.
Family: Married to Judy Cameron since 1982 and two grown daughters; Brianne, a Salem elementary teacher and Amanda, a senior at OSU.
Kevin began his early work experience as a ranch hand at Table Rock Ranch in Sams Valley, Oregon. Next, he worked in various restaurant positions with Farwest Services. It was with Vip’s Restaurants that he held various management and training position. Denny’s Restaurants acquired several Vip’s Restaurants where Kevin was hired by the company to implement and oversee training programs in over 120 restaurants in Southern California and Arizona.
Kevin’s leadership abilities were recognized by Denny’s, and he was placed in the position of District Manager in both Denver, Colorado and Orange County, California. He led operations with budgets of up to $15 million in revenue.
Kevin’s love for the Pacific Northwest led him back to Oregon where he became the Director of Operations for Vip’s Restaurants to oversee 15 operations from Albany, Oregon to Mt. Vernon, Washington. Kevin was responsible for concept development, human resources and training for the “La Casa Real” chain of Mexican restaurants in both Oregon and Washington.
In 1995, Kevin pursued a new restaurant concept designed to serve Oregon’s businesses and surrounding communities. As founder, managing member and CEO, Kevin began the first of 12 Cafe Today Restaurants and Catering Businesses stretching from Salem to Richfield, Washington.
As a successful business owner and community leader, Kevin Cameron has proven that citizens can make a difference by being involved and leading by example. Since 1989, Kevin has served Morning Star Community Church as an Executive Board member and a Community Group Leader. He worked with the Battle Creek Little League as a softball manager and led the 1999 All-Star team to the state tournament. Kevin and his wife have supported the Greater Salem Young Life, the Sprague athletics and choir, the West Salem High School Foundation, the Salem Child Development Center, Family Building Blocks, Salem Leadership Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, and the Salem Union Gospel Mission.
Cameron’s dedication to his community has made an impact on Oregonians throughout the state. His leadership in the restaurant industry includes former positions as the Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees of the Oregon Restaurant Association (ORA). The ORA has become Oregon’s premiere hospitality industry workforce development and training organization. Kevin’ successful growth in business, as well as his commitment to the betterment of the ORA and the restaurant industry earned him the honored award of Restaurateur of the Year in 2000.
On February 17, 2005, Kevin Cameron was sworn into office at the Oregon House of Representatives by Chief Justice Wallace. The citizens of House District 19 were without representation, and Kevin stepped up to fill the void. During 2005, Kevin served on the Committee for Health and Human Services and the Committee for General Government. He was elected to his position in 2007 and served on the Judiciary Committee and the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety. Kevin served on the Interim Judiciary Committee and the Business and Labor Committee and currently serves on both Committees during the 2009 Legislative Session. He is the Co-Chair of the Business and Labor Committee. He currently serves as the Deputy Republican Leader, providing strong leadership to the House Republican Caucus.
Kevin has been happily married to Judy for over 25 years. She works as a teacher assistant in the Salem-Keizer School System. Both of their daughters have pursued higher education at Oregon State University. Kevin enjoys time with his family and pursues duck hunting, water sports, golfing, reading, attending Beaver sporting events and serving others.
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