Biography Of Branda Jurasek

Branda Jurasek is a senior executive and community leader with over two decades of experience in international trade and public education She serves as the Vice President of a global business, where she leads commercial operations in the forest products industry.

Early Life and Academic Background

Branda L. Jurasek was born in Missoula, Montana, and completed her secondary education at Big Sky High School in Missoula She continued her academic path by studying finance at Arizona State University in Tempe, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Following that, she enrolled at Portland State University, completing her Master of Business Administration

Corporate Leadership and Industry Engagement

Branda is currently a Vice President at her company. In this capacity, she manages international trade activity within the forest products sector. Her responsibilities include overseeing market strategy, pricing alignment, operational forecasting, and commercial relationships across geographic regions.

Her career began at the Bank of Tokyo in Portland, where she gained experience in international banking and finance. That early exposure to global systems informed her understanding of cross-border trade and corporate investment. After that, she transitioned into the forest products industry, beginning with solid wood and lumber Over time, she shifted her focus toward pulp and paper, leading to expanded responsibilities and broader strategic roles.

Small Business Management

In addition to her executive role, Branda has served in a senior leadership position at a family-owned business based in Missoula, Montana. That business employed 25 people and produced annual revenues exceeding seven million dollars.

This experience offered a different perspective on corporate life. Small business management requires a close connection every day. She could not delegate every issue or wait for trends to correct themselves Instead, she had to solve problems with immediacy, resolve personnel matters, and track profitability without delay. That period of her career sharpened her operational skills and solidified her capacity to lead under pressure

Service in Education

Branda once served a local educational institution. Her interest in this work began through her children’s experiences in the district Her concern expanded into formal participation. In that position, she learned the structure and requirements of school finance, including the impact of budget decisions on program delivery and personnel retention

Her recent position involved reviewing policy, supporting the superintendent, evaluating budgets, and approving district planning initiatives She applied her financial background and business training to group discussions, ensuring that decisions were based on performance indicators and fiscal responsibility. She contributed regularly to work sessions, attended events, and maintained contact with administrators to remain current on operational priorities

Volunteerism and Youth Development

Branda has contributed over 10 years of volunteer service as a coach in youth sports She has coached both soccer and basketball teams for boys and girls in the community Her coaching responsibilities have included practice planning, communication with families, game preparation, and team management.

In addition to team coaching, she has supported local athletic events such as track meets, where she assisted with field operations and event logistics. Her involvement has helped ensure the smooth execution of public events that benefit students and their families

Earlier in her life, she volunteered with the Portland Crisis Helpline, offering support to individuals facing severe distress, including those affected by domestic violence and suicide risk

Approach to Leadership

Branda Jurasek approaches leadership with a disciplined and analytical mindset, focusing on long-term objectives and ensuring alignment throughout organizations She sets clear expectations and avoids impulsive reactions, emphasizing sustainable frameworks that promote consistent results. Her leadership style maintains a careful balance between granting autonomy and

ensuring accountability by tracking key performance measures, all while promoting transparency.

In governance, Branda valued collaboration, accountability, and practical outcomes. She views educational institutions’ functional bodies as charged with advancing student achievement, managing finances responsibly, and upholding professional standards. She engaged in this work with a focus on clear goals and measurable progress, maintaining professional relationships with educators, parents, and staff

Branda supports educational settings that equip students with the skills and confidence needed for adulthood, integrating academic challenges with athletic, technical, and creative opportunities She prioritizes clear expectations, aligned resources, and ongoing professional development for educators as critical to success. Her communication style reflects her extensive business experience, promoting transparency and responsiveness

Personal Life

Outside her professional responsibilities, Branda prefers spending time outdoors, particularly near rivers or campfires. Her interest in sports continues beyond her role as a coach, as she regularly attends high school and college games and supports her children’s athletic pursuits.

She also enjoys live performances, including concerts and theatrical productions, which provide a different type of community connection and cultural insight. These interests support her belief in well-rounded personal development.

Branda is married and has two children Her family life has been connected to the Scappoose School District, where both children are enrolled. This connection continues to provide her with firsthand experience in local education systems and has helped shape her priorities as a community advocate