Relay Resources Taps Corporate Titans for Inclusion Mission

PORTLAND, OR – February 09, 2026

Relay Resources, a leading social enterprise in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, has fortified its leadership by appointing three seasoned executives from the worlds of finance, logistics, and technology to its Board of Directors. The new members—Nick Braaten of Auctane, Nicole Hess of Standard Insurance Company, and Lucas Diaz of Ludia Consulting—bring a formidable blend of corporate strategy and technical expertise poised to accelerate the nonprofit’s mission.

The move signals a strategic deepening of Relay’s capabilities as it navigates the complexities of its diverse operations, which include four distinct business lines and multiple community programs. “I’m thrilled to welcome these three respected and proven leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Dr. Jennifer Camota Luebke, CEO of Relay Resources. “In their work across logistics, finance, and beyond, Nick, Nicole, and Lucas have a wealth of knowledge and experience in many sectors, and are well equipped to offer the crucial guidance we look to from our board.”

A Strategic Infusion of Financial Acumen

With a "Four-Star" rating from Charity Navigator indicating exceptional financial health and accountability, Relay Resources is building from a position of strength. The appointments of Nick Braaten and Nicole Hess are set to provide the high-level financial stewardship needed to scale the organization's impact.

Nick Braaten, currently the Senior Vice President of Finance at e-commerce logistics giant Auctane, brings nearly 25 years of formidable financial leadership. His career is marked by long tenures at two of the world’s most influential companies: 11 years at Best Buy in senior finance roles and another 11 years at Amazon as a finance director. His time at Amazon included a key international assignment in Luxembourg and involvement in major strategic initiatives, providing him with deep insights into scaling global operations and managing complex fiscal landscapes. This experience in both public and private equity-backed environments will be invaluable as Relay continues to expand its advocacy and employment services for people with disabilities.

Joining him is Nicole Hess, the Director and Financial Business Partner at Standard Insurance Company. With 15 years in finance and accounting, Hess has a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency and create long-term value. Her background, which includes roles at Schnitzer Steel, demonstrates a strong command of corporate accounting and financial strategy. More than just a numbers expert, Hess brings a personal connection to the mission. Her past experience as a certified referee for Goalball, a Paralympic sport for blind athletes, gave her firsthand insight into the world of disability sports and advocacy, shaping a deep-seated dedication to accessibility and inclusive employment.

Embracing the Digital Frontier for Social Good

The appointment of Lucas Diaz, CEO of Ludia Consulting, injects a powerful dose of technological foresight into Relay's governance. In an era where digital transformation is critical for all organizations, Diaz’s expertise in Microsoft technologies, Dynamics 365, and AI-powered solutions represents a significant strategic asset. Ludia Consulting, a minority-owned firm, specializes in helping organizations modernize their operations, a skill set directly applicable to Relay’s multifaceted enterprise.

Diaz’s background is particularly relevant to Relay’s diverse business lines, which include complex supply chain and document solutions. His proficiency with Microsoft Dynamics 365, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform, can help streamline everything from financial management to logistics, creating efficiencies that allow more resources to be directed toward mission-driven programs.

Furthermore, his expertise in artificial intelligence holds transformative potential for Relay’s innovative abilIT program, which provides cybersecurity and technology training for neurodivergent individuals and injured veterans. AI can be leveraged to create personalized learning paths, enhance curriculum delivery, and improve job placement outcomes for participants. This technological edge could not only strengthen the program but also serve as a model for how tech can empower the disability community. Diaz’s commitment to "Dynamics for Good"—leveraging technology for social impact—aligns perfectly with the growing trend of nonprofits harnessing digital tools to amplify their reach and effectiveness.

Forging a New Model of Inclusive Leadership

While the professional pedigrees of the new members are impressive, their appointments also speak to a deeper trend in nonprofit governance: the fusion of high-level expertise with a genuine commitment to social responsibility. This move comes at a time when disability representation in leadership remains a critical issue. Studies show that people with disabilities are significantly underrepresented on corporate and nonprofit boards, a gap that advocacy groups are working tirelessly to close.

By bringing in leaders who not only possess critical skills but also demonstrate a passion for equity, Relay Resources is reinforcing its own mission from the top down. Lucas Diaz’s history of board service, including for TechFluent, which tackles income inequality, and Raphael House of Portland, which aids domestic violence survivors, showcases a long-standing dedication to community service. Similarly, Nicole Hess’s connection to the Paralympic community provides a personal lens through which to view the organization’s work.

This blend of corporate acumen and social conscience is vital for a social enterprise like Relay Resources, which employs over 950 people and manages 760 affordable housing units for 1,500 residents. Successfully steering such a complex organization requires more than just good intentions; it demands the strategic rigor of the business world married with an unwavering focus on human impact. These new appointments embody that synthesis, equipping Relay Resources with the leadership necessary to not only sustain its vital work but to innovate and expand its influence, transforming workplaces and communities for years to come.