Roger Yost

He has been a writer, editor, adman, marketer, educator, environmentalist, film producer, lyricist, master gardener, nurseryman, restaurateur, art gallery owner, investor, landlord and as many of his former employees and children would add: Coach and Mentor. He remains almost all of them to this day.

Yost owns one of Oregon's most historic treasures (Salem's Reed Opera House); he also owns the tallest office building in Salem (The Capitol Center); one of the capital city's best fine-dining restaurants and art galleries (Alessandro's Ristorante & Galleria); the 1920 Vick Building, now home to two state agencies; and a state-of-the-art, resort-style apartment complex (The Apartments at Cinnamon Lakes).

He is unselfish with his time, serving on boards or committees related to Salem's downtown community, tourism, educational institutions, and the city's future visions.

Why? He says:

"At this stage of my life. I have no lofty personal ambitions. I'm simply dedicated to making this city--our state--a greater place. Greater for art, music, theater and general livability. Giving kids, their parents and teachers, incentives and space to perform and grow. To become special. To begin to recognize and realize their dreams."