Carmen Shah

Ever since I can remember, people have called me the glue: the one who keeps everyone connected and moving forward, especially when things get difficult. I was partly raised by my grandmother, Molly, who taught me to be at ease with aging, to treat every person with the dignity they deserve, and that, at the end of the day, your word is what matters most. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life, and I carry them into every trust we serve. For 18 years, I owned and operated an event planning company. While that may seem worlds apart from trust administration, I've found the two have more in common than you might expect. Both require seeing the bigger picture while managing countless details, anticipating needs before they arise, and bringing people together when circumstances become complicated. During those same years, I also worked in mortgage lending, where accuracy, communication, and attention to detail were essential. Bringing a loan to closing meant coordinating escrow officers, underwriters, insurance agents, and real estate professionals, experience that translates naturally to the many moving parts of trust administration. I was also a founding board member of the Portland chapter of Women in Insurance and Financial Services, serving first as programs manager and later as vice president. Today, much of my work begins at a difficult moment in someone's life. When a loved one passes away, families are often left navigating unfamiliar responsibilities while grieving. I help coordinate the attorneys, accountants, and advisors involved, keep beneficiaries informed, and make sure the details are handled with care and consistency. When someone is still living but can no longer manage their affairs, I bring that same thoughtfulness to supporting their needs and well-being. Communication has always been at the heart of how I work. I believe in listening carefully, remaining steady when perspectives differ, and never losing sight of the wishes of the person who placed their trust in us. People who know me often describe me as patient, grounded, and thoughtful. More than anything, I hope the families I work with feel that someone is truly paying attention, looking out for their interests, and following through on what matters. I live in Portland with my husband, Anand, and our twin daughters, Anais and Amara. Outside of work, you'll find me sewing linen napkins, hunting for vintage finds, camping in our teardrop trailer, or hosting family gatherings. Thanks!