Executive Leadership Team
Meet Our Executive Team
Katie Coombes
As Executive Director of RISE Partnership, Katie provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and financial oversight to advance the mission and impact of RISE programs. With over two decades of experience advocating for care providers and public workers, Katie has dedicated her career to strengthening the systems that support Oregon’s essential workers. She began her career at SEIU Local 503 where she was instrumental in securing one of the strongest homecare contracts in the country, leading a team of workers and staff to raise benefits and training standards for care providers.
As one of RISE’s founding members in 2019, she played a key role in shaping the organization from the ground up. In her previous role as Senior Director of Programs, Katie helped grow the organization from just three employees to more than 130. Under her leadership, RISE has delivered innovative training and benefits to over 80,000 homecare, nursing facility, and state workers—many through first-of-their-kind labor-management partnerships.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and daughter.
Sarah Sacia Edwards
As Vice President of Operations at RISE, Sarah oversees key operational functions, including finance, human resources, staff learning and equity, and information systems. She is deeply committed to supporting the delivery of high-quality training and benefits for Oregon’s workers and plays a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s efficiency, effectiveness, and strategic growth.
Before joining RISE in 2019, Sarah spent a decade leading homecare programs in Washington and Oregon.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys home renovation, mushroom hunting with her wife, Ann, and spending quality time with her son.
Kayla Lowery
As the Senior Director of Training and Career Pathways, Kayla leads program and operations teams, including Uplift Oregon, Long-Term CareWorks, and RISE’s internal Training Services team. These programs provide career pathway training and support to new and current workers.
Before joining RISE in 2019, Kayla earned her master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from Oregon State University and has an ATD certification in Instructional Design.
In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her young daughter and spouse, traveling, and wine tasting.
Molly Malone
As the Senior Director of Care Workers’ Services, Molly oversees multiple programs at RISE Partnership, including Carewell SEIU 503, Essential Worker Healthcare Trust, and the Communications team. Under her leadership, these initiatives provide high-quality, accessible training and essential benefits to care workers across Oregon.
Before joining the organization in 2022, Molly dedicated over 17 years to the SEIU Local 503, where she led the Public Division.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys live music, sewing, and exploring Oregon’s breweries. She also loves spending time outdoors with her husband and son.
Meet Our Executive Team
Katie Coombes
Executive Director
As Executive Director of RISE Partnership, Katie provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and financial oversight to advance the mission and impact of RISE programs. With over two decades of experience advocating for care providers and public workers, Katie has dedicated her career to strengthening the systems that support Oregon’s essential workers. She began her career at SEIU Local 503 where she was instrumental in securing one of the strongest homecare contracts in the country, leading a team of workers and staff to raise benefits and training standards for care providers.
As one of RISE’s founding members in 2019, she played a key role in shaping the organization from the ground up. In her previous role as Senior Director of Programs, Katie helped grow the organization from just three employees to more than 130. Under her leadership, RISE has delivered innovative training and benefits to over 80,000 homecare, nursing facility, and state workers—many through first-of-their-kind labor-management partnerships.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and daughter.
Sarah Sacia Edwards
Vice President of Operations
As Vice President of Operations at RISE, Sarah oversees key operational functions, including finance, human resources, staff learning and equity, and information systems. She is deeply committed to supporting the delivery of high-quality training and benefits for Oregon’s workers and plays a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s efficiency, effectiveness, and strategic growth.
Before joining RISE in 2019, Sarah spent a decade leading homecare programs in Washington and Oregon.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys home renovation, mushroom hunting with her wife, Ann, and spending quality time with her son.
Kayla Lowery
Senior Director of Training and Career Pathways
As the Senior Director of Training and Career Pathways, Kayla leads program and operations teams, including Uplift Oregon, Long-Term CareWorks, and RISE’s internal Training Services team. These programs provide career pathway training and support to new and current workers.
Before joining RISE in 2019, Kayla earned her master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from Oregon State University and has an ATD certification in Instructional Design.
In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her young daughter and spouse, traveling, and wine tasting.
Molly Malone
Senior Director of Care Workers' Services
As the Senior Director of Care Workers’ Services, Molly oversees multiple programs at RISE Partnership, including Carewell SEIU 503, Essential Worker Healthcare Trust, and the Communications team. Under her leadership, these initiatives provide high-quality, accessible training and essential benefits to care workers across Oregon.
Before joining the organization in 2022, Molly dedicated over 17 years to the SEIU Local 503, where she led the Public Division.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys live music, sewing, and exploring Oregon’s breweries. She also loves spending time outdoors with her husband and son.