T.J. McHugh joined the Metro Chamber in June of 2025 and serves as the Director of Government Affairs.
Before joining the Chamber, T.J. served as Chief of Staff to Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan, where he led the office’s legislative, policy, and communications teams during a time of transformational government change. He also served as Interim Director of the City’s Office of Community and Civic Life, where he oversaw a strategic reset of community engagement programs and advanced equity-driven initiatives across the bureau.
T.J.’s private-sector experience includes senior leadership roles at Macey’s, Target, Nike, and Sportmaster, where he managed million-dollar global apparel portfolios and spearheaded brand expansion into emerging markets, including China and Eastern Europe. His work included leading diverse, cross-cultural teams, driving direct-to-consumer retail growth, and building some of the most recognized sportswear brands across global markets.
He has also played a key role in Oregon’s political landscape, managing communications and strategy multiple civic and electoral campaigns.