Billi Odegaard’s legacy of compassion, innovation, and leadership continues to shape public health and nursing in Oregon today. Guided by her belief in equity and opportunity, she dedicated her career to improving community well-being and advancing the nursing profession.

Billi came to Portland, Oregon, in 1969 after earning her Master’s Degree in Public Health Nursing from the University of Washington. She began her career supervising a team of Public Health nurses serving predominantly African American neighborhoods in Multnomah County, where her leadership and community sensitivity quickly stood out.

Promoted to Director of Public Health Nursing and later to Director of the Health Department, Billi guided the organization’s growth from 100 employees in 1972 to more than 1,200 when she retired in 1999. Her quiet yet visionary leadership fostered partnerships and programs that improved the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities.

A trailblazer for nursing, Billi played a key role in developing some of the most progressive nursing practice laws in the United States. She inspired colleagues to take on new challenges, pursue further education, and grow in ways they hadn’t imagined possible.

In her honor, the Billi Odegaard Nursing Scholarship was created to expand opportunities for nurses and nursing leaders from traditionally underrepresented communities. Through this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, colleagues, friends, and family continue her mission—advancing education, equity, and compassionate leadership in nursing.