Melissa Casburn has been a member of Portland’s creative class for 20 years, leading human-centered research and experience design for local digital agencies and software companies, and volunteering extensively with the regional arts community. She currently serves as the VP of Design for Coforma, a DC-based agency that works with the government and the private sector to craft creative digital solutions and build technology products that improve people’s lives.

Past roles include Senior Director of User Experience for Puppet, a software configuration automation tool company, and Board President for the Portland Lesbian Choir. Melissa co-founded SOAK, the Portland Regional Burn, and produced the event for several years. She holds a BA in Clothing & Textile Design and an MBA from University of Oregon, and is pursuing a certificate in Surface Design from Otis College of Art & Design.