The OHSU Library is excited to present an oral history interview with recent Interim President Steve Stadum, J.D. Stadum held several positions at OHSU before being appointed as interim president, including corporate secretary, executive vice president, and chief operating officer for the Knight Cancer Institute. His decades-long career in law, healthcare administration, and institutional leadership offers a rich narrative of transformation, innovation, and public service. The interview was conducted by Chief Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff Connie Seeley.
Early years and legal foundations
Born and raised in Southeast Portland, Stadum began his legal career after attending Stanford and graduating from Lewis & Clark. After nearly two decades in private practice, he joined OHSU in the mid-1990s as general counsel just as the university was transitioning into a public corporation. His legal expertise proved instrumental in negotiating the foundational ground lease agreements that still govern OHSU’s real estate holdings.
Transforming the campus
Stadum played a central role in the development of the South Waterfront campus and the Portland Aerial Tram. Addressing the growth needs of the university became a huge part of what Stadum helped accomplish at OHSU and in this interview, he recounts the complex legal, political, and community negotiations that shaped the tram’s construction. Stadum helped secure federal funding and navigate public opinion, ultimately delivering a transformative transit solution that remains vital to OHSU and the broader Portland community.
Beyond infrastructure
Stadum established OHSU’s first regulatory compliance program and helped author its code of conduct. In his role with the Knight Cancer Institute, he helped secure a historic $500 million gift from Phil and Penny Knight and oversaw the design of the Knight Cancer Research Building.
Read (or watch) the full interview and explore over 150 others in the OHSU Oral History Program’s online collection.