Lori Spencer has more than 30+ years of proven success in the consumer products industry in a variety of roles.
As one of the founders of Oregon Chai, Lori was a principal catalyst in the brand’s growth, from its inception in 1994 through its $75M acquisition in 2004, having led the charge in establishing the “Chai” beverage category in the US market. Lori has been a consultant, board member, advisor and coach/mentor to many emerging consumer product companies and has held senior leadership roles with companies ZoomCare+, New Seasons Market, Tillamook Creamery, Salt & Straw, Beaverton Foods and Rose City Distilling (just to name a few). Lori is currently CEO/Principal at Lori Spencer Consulting, where she enjoys working with small to mid-sized businesses in a variety of categories and channels.
In addition to her passion for business, Lori is a 7th-generation Oregonian, and holds a strong commitment to arts, education, entrepreneurship and community. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors for Tender Loving Empire and has also served on the Board of Directors for Xxcelerate, Built Oregon, Girls Inc, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), Young Audiences of Oregon & SW Washington and Fruit & Flower Childcare Center. She also sits on several Advisory Boards for a few early-stage food start-ups and has mentored through Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN). In addition, Lori is a member of Club CMO Portland chapter, a member of LEAP (Leaders Executives Across Professions) and also an advisor/mentor at the OSU College of Business.
Lori has a BFA in Art and minor in Graphic Design from Dominican University in San Rafael, CA. When she’s not busy building and scaling brands, Lori spends her free time outdoors, managing her almost adult kids, trying new restaurants, travel to literally anywhere, training her dogs with some level of success, and improving her pickleball game.