Executive Leadership Team
Brian Rüdiger
Brian Rüdiger serves as the chief executive officer of RISE Partnership, focusing on delivering excellent training and benefits education to over 80,000 Oregon workers in collaboration with six labor-management trusts. After serving as chair of the Homecare Worker Supplemental and Benefit Trusts, Brian led a process with trustees, workers, and staff to envision and launch RISE in 2019. Prior to this, Brian played multiple roles at SEIU 503 — including Executive Director from 2016-18 – and with SEIU and AFSCME service and healthcare workers in California.
Katie Coombes
As Senior Director of Programs, Katie leads the overall development and implementation of RISE’s programs. Katie is committed to workers having access to quality training, affordable health care, and meaningful career pathways, with a focus on equity and worker-employer collaboration. Prior to starting with RISE, Katie worked for SEIU Local 503, where she led a team of workers and staff in lifting standards for care providers, including winning one of the strongest homecare contracts in the country. Katie lives in Portland, Oregon, with her partner, daughter, and cat.
Sarah Edwards
As Senior Director of Shared Services, Sarah leads the work of RISE’s IS/IT team, training services team, and project management office. Sarah is passionate about delivering innovative and effective support for RISE’s programs so program teams can focus on delivering top-notch training and benefits. Prior to this role, Sarah spent ten years leading homecare programs in Washington and Oregon. Most recently, she launched Carewell Training, a first-of-its kind program providing foundational training and support to over 40,000 Oregon homecare and personal support workers. Sarah lives in Portland, Oregon, with her partner and two dogs.