EPISODE · Jan 13, 2026 · 40 MIN
Fariborz Pakseresht — Public Service & the Power of Love
from Human Services Change Makers · host Human Services Group
Dr. Deb and Kelly kick off the new year with Fariborz Pakseresht, long-time Director of Oregon's Department of Human Services. Recently retired from that role, Fariborz reflects on what drew him to public service, lessons he learned along the way, the importance of love in leadership, and how he hopes to continue shaping and supporting leaders.Before his eight years of service as the director, Fariborz spent more than two decades working for the state, including a six-month rotation that turned into nine years at the Oregon Youth Authority, the state’s juvenile justice organization. He speaks about his time at OYA, saying it taught him that “youth are not problems to solve, but potential to nurture,” and how authenticity and respect are crucial components in doing that. He also speaks on the values of power and love — and importantly, the power of love. His full retirement announcement can be found here, and both Deb and Kelly highly recommend giving it a read. Human Services Change Makers is a podcast by Human Services Group. For more information about HSG, or to get in touch, go to https://www.humanservicesgroup.com, or email Deb Shropshire ([email protected]) or Kelly Harder ([email protected]).
What this episode covers
Dr. Deb and Kelly kick off the new year with Fariborz Pakseresht, long-time Director of Oregon's Department of Human Services. Recently retired from that role, Fariborz reflects on what drew him to public service, lessons he learned along the way, the importance of love in leadership, and how he hopes to continue shaping and supporting leaders.Before his eight years of service as the director, Fariborz spent more than two decades working for the state, including a six-month rotation that turned into nine years at the Oregon Youth Authority, the state’s juvenile justice organization. He speaks about his time at OYA, saying it taught him that “youth are not problems to solve, but potential to nurture,” and how authenticity and respect are crucial components in doing that. He also speaks on the values of power and love — and importantly, the power of love. His full retirement announcement can be found here, and both Deb and Kelly highly recommend giving it a read. Human Services Change Makers is a podcast by Human Services Group. For more information about HSG, or to get in touch, go to https://www.humanservicesgroup.com, or email Deb Shropshire ([email protected]) or Kelly Harder ([email protected]).
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Fariborz Pakseresht — Public Service & the Power of Love
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