EWS’ Keith Mays Receives Mark Hatfield Award

League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) prestigious Mark O. Hatfield Statesmanship Award was presented to Sherwood City Councilor Keith Mays at the LOC’s 100th Annual Conference in Portland. The award is presented to a deserving statesman who has provided lasting benefits to the quality of life for Oregon citizens.

Mays is the president and owner of Electronic Wood Systems (EWS) North America.

Over his 28 years in public service, Mays has demonstrated the highest standards of ethical leadership, unwavering commitment to community, and a deep compassion for human needs. His legacy in Sherwood features countless impactful projects, including a new city center, clean water infrastructure, and funding for major transportation projects.

Mays served as mayor Sherwood, Ore. for 13 years, as council president for five years and as councilor for three years.

He has also served as president of the Oregon Mayors Assn., LOC, and Sherwood Chamber of Commerce.

Serving as LOC President during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mays was a tireless advocate for cities across the state. He worked closely with the Governor’s office, ensuring that local leaders had the resources and guidance they needed to navigate the crisis effectively.

Hatfield began his political career in 1950 as a member of the Oregon Legislature, and in 1956 became the state’s youngest Secretary of State at age 34. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1966 and became the longest-serving Senator from Oregon in 1993.

Previous Hatfield Award winners include: former Independence Mayor John McArdle (2024); Redmond Mayor George Endicott (2022); former Pendleton Mayor Philip Houk (2017); former Nehalem Mayor Shirley Kalkhoven (2015); former Oregon Senator Betsy Johnson (2013); former U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (2011); former Oregon Senator Brady Adams (2007); former Oregon Senator Cliff Trow (2001), former Oregon Governor Neil Goldschmidt (1997); and former Oregon and U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield (1996).

Founded in 1925, the LOC is a voluntary association representing all 241 of Oregon’s incorporated cities. The League helps city governments serve their citizens by providing legislative services, policy setting, intergovernmental relations, conferences and training, technical assistance, and publications.