Willamette Valley Observer Welcomes Phil Harpster as Senior Staff Writer (and some NFL picks, too)

In an industry where words carry weight and insight is the currency of credibility, the Willamette Valley Observer is pleased to announce the addition of Phil Harpster to our editorial team. Harpster joins us as a senior staff writer, bringing with him a wealth of experience in IT, project management, and organizational stewardship—disciplines that demand precision, clarity, and an understanding of complex systems.

Phil’s background is, at first glance, a study in logic and structure. With decades spent navigating the digital corridors of information technology and the labyrinth of project management, he has honed an analytical mind that finds patterns where others see only chaos. But journalism is not just about seeing—it’s about storytelling. And if early conversations are any indication, Harpster is not merely a technical mind with a knack for documentation; he is a writer with the ability to translate the tangled into the tangible, the theoretical into the practical.

“Good writing, much like good engineering, is about making things work,” Harpster notes. “I’m excited to apply that same mindset here—taking big ideas and making them digestible, engaging, and useful to the readers of the Observer.”

At a time when the Observer is expanding its coverage of the region’s technological landscape, Harpster’s expertise provides an invaluable asset. Expect deep dives into the future of infrastructure, sharp analysis of policy shifts, and the kind of reporting that doesn’t just inform but clarifies.

Harpster looks forward to covering the NFL in the 2025-2026 season. Beyond his expertise in technology and management, Harpster is also a noteworthy handicapper, bringing sharp analysis and strategic insight into the world of odds and outcomes. His ability to break down complex variables, whether in the business world or at the betting window, makes him a rare breed of thinker—one who sees not just what is, but what could be.

We look forward to his contributions and to the unique blend of pragmatism and curiosity he brings to our newsroom. Welcome aboard, Phil. We’re ready for the stories you have to tell.