Samantha Stanley wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. And an FBI agent. And an Olympian. Mostly, everything sounded interesting and choosing just one thing felt impossible. She never made it to the classroom, but the instinct stuck. She’s been a gymnastics coach, a graphic designer, and now an account manager, finding herself doing some version of the same thing along the way: teaching, encouraging, and helping people do work they’re proud of.
A graduate of Oregon State University, Samantha started her career designing for the Portland Timbers and Thorns before moving into agency life. Along the way, she’s worked on sports, community-focused, and a few brands you’ve almost certainly used this week, wrangled teams toward ambitious creative work, and built a reputation for making the people around her better. She came to Stoltz for the people, the community, and the chance to make work with an impact.
Give Samantha a free fall Saturday and she has the itinerary ready: coffee, a walk with her chocolate Lab, Kenai, College GameDay, the farmers market, a DIY project, and friends over for dinner. She geeks out over sports, fashion, branding, and true crime, and briefly achieved local celebrity status as a fifth-grade state champion gymnast. Ask her about history, and you’re on your own. Also: no mushrooms, absolutely no beans, and please don’t crack your knuckles.
At work, Samantha describes herself as a bit of a cheer mom: kind and encouraging, but direct and never without standards. She believes the best work happens when people feel supported enough to stretch. And when they do, she’ll be right there cheering them on.
