Our Team

More than just a website design shop, Mandate Media helps political campaigns and nonprofit organizations use technology to motivate their supporters -- to create dialogue, take action, and make a meaningful contribution to the cause. Mandate Media's core competency lives at the intersection between political strategy and internet technology.

Kari Chisholm
President

Kari Chisholm, president of Mandate Media, is an experienced campaign staffer, media strategist, political consultant, and interactive web developer. Over the last decade, Kari has worked with nearly 200 campaigns in over 20 states at every level.

Before Mandate Media, Kari was on the staff of Darlene Hooley's first Congressional campaign in 1996 and managed David Bragdon's campaign for the Metro Council in 1998. Kari was also the volunteer board chair of X-PAC, a 1000-member nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit that motivated young people to get involved in politics in Oregon. During a hiatus from politics, Kari was the creative director for new media at Lewis & Clark College. He became a nationally-recognized speaker - teaching hundreds of higher-ed professionals how to strategically use new media to communicate with a new generation of college-bound students.

Finally, Kari Chisholm is considered one of the nation's leading experts on the voting procedures for college football's Heisman Trophy - accurately predicting the winner and vote totals each year since 2002.

Kari graduated in political science from the University of Southern California in 1995. He is a member of the National Writers Union - UAW Local 1981/AFL-CIO.

Carrie Wynkoop
Vice President, Project Management + Operations

Carrie Wynkoop, vice president of operations, keeps the trains running on time - and advises nonprofits on effective fundraising strategies, strategic planning, and email communications. She is also an experienced event planner specializing in conferences and fundraising events.

Prior to joining Kari as a partner in Mandate Media, Carrie was the development director for the Coalition for a Livable Future – a network of 60 community-based organizations working together to create a more equitable and sustainable Portland metropolitan region.

Previously, she worked in development and alumni relations at the Catlin Gabel School and was an admissions counselor at Lewis & Clark College. Carrie graduated from Lewis & Clark College in 1999 with a degree in international affairs.

Meaghan Lamarre
Senior Strategist, Design + Technology

Meaghan Lamarre is an experienced strategist and technologist and is the first line of defense for Mandate Media's clients. Whether it's help sending an email to supporters or fixing a typo on a website, Meaghan is the go-to gal. Meaghan also coordinates the operations of Mandate Media's Washington, D.C. office.

Prior to joining Mandate Media, Meaghan was a Strategy Architect at EchoDitto, an internet communications firm founded by members of Howard Dean's internet team. While at EchoDitto, Meaghan had the opportunity to advise several large advocacy organizations and socially-responsible businesses on their creative and effective online initiatives. Before that, Meaghan managed the internet communications program for the National Organization for Women.

Meaghan grew up in the west (Montana, Arizona and California) before moving to Portland to attend Lewis and Clark College, where she studied psychology and political science. She graduated in 2002 with honors in psychology and a keen addiction to coffee, thanks to the PDX caffeine scene. Now temporarily displaced in the east, Meaghan lived in Rhode Island for three years before moving to Washington, D.C.

Suvi Chisholm
Strategist, Marketing + Advertising

Suvi manages advertising for our clients, buying online ads, optimizing bids and placements, and reporting to clients. Suvi also works with prospective clients to get their questions answered and introduce them to Mandate Media.

Prior to joining our team, she worked with emotionally disturbed children at the Morrison Center and, most recently, at a financial services firm that helped small businesses provide financial assistance to their low-income workers.

Suvi has a masters degree in criminal justice from Portland State, as well as an undergraduate degree in psychology and social science. Suvi is a professional competitive Scottish Highland dancer, and has competed throughout the USA, Canada, and Scotland.

Ben DuPree
Strategist, Campaigns + Advocacy

Ben DuPree is a veteran of Oregon progressive and Democratic politics. His background is in campaign communications, political public relations, and online advocacy. He has worked with many successful candidates, individuals, and organizations, including U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, Oregon State Representative Brian Clem, Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Oregon's State Senate Democrats, and the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. He serves as a campaign communications and political strategist for Mandate Media's clients.

In his spare time Ben enjoys Portland's many farmers' markets, riding his road bike, working in his garden, and everything else Oregon has to offer. He and his wife Mele Sax-Barnett live in Northeast Portland.

Potter
Director of Canine Relations

Potter joined Mandate Media in 2003. The most popular member of our team, Potter is responsible for maintaining office morale and ensuring that playtime happens at least every four hours.

While he often sleeps through staff meetings, he regularly assists our clients with strategic outreach to the local canine community - a critical voter block!

Sylvie
Washington, D.C. Office Assistant

A critical member of Mandate Media's D.C. office, Sylvie's primary responsibilities include lap warming and mandating occasional breaks for food and play.

Sylvie joined Mandate Media with Meaghan in 2009.

Though she now calls D.C. home, Sylvie was born in Portland and adopted from the Oregon Humane Society.

Huckleberry & Muffins
Associate Feline Strategists

Huckleberry (Tuxedo, left) and Muffins (Tabby, right) are the newest feline members of the Mandate team. They support Ben in his work by providing love, support, and fuzzy cuddles.

Huckleberry was adopted as a kitten from the Oregon Humane Society and Muffins was found on the campus of Reed College as a stray kitten, both in 2004. They live with Ben and his wife Mele in their NE Portland home.