Webinar: Town Hall: An Update from SMART Reading by SMART Reading

About this Webinar

At SMART Reading, the 2020-21 school year has brought plenty of new opportunities to spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book. We remain committed to delivering on our mission at a time when Oregon families need support more than ever.

Join Executive Director Chris Otis and Area Manager Michael Finlay for an update on how we're delivering services and a peek of our new virtual platform. Alongside our partners across Oregon, we're excited to share how we continue to boost literacy rates and inspire excited, confident young readers with our proven formula of providing 1) access to books for students to keep and 2) reading practice.

We’ll also have time for a Q&A. If you’d like to submit a question in advance, please email it to SMART@SMARTReading.org.

Michael Finlay

Area Manager

Michael Finlay is the Area Manager for SMART Reading’s Northwest Office based in Salem and has worked for SMART for nearly eight years. He is a graduate of Western Oregon University and worked at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum before joining SMART Reading in 2013. Michael is also a Parent Educator in the Salem-area and spends his free time with his wife and reading with his two young children.
Chris Otis

Executive Director

Chris Otis joined SMART Reading as executive director in December 2010. In that time, she has effectively led the organization through a strategic planning process that has resulted in impressive program growth and improved financial stability. With Otis at the helm, SMART Reading’s number of children served has grown by nearly 60 percent, which has been achieved by aligning SMART Reading’s efforts with key state education goals and working to gain deeper understanding of the populations the organization serves. Chris has a rich background of more than 25 years in nonprofit leadership. She received both her MBA and her Bachelor’s degrees from California State University in Sacramento.