Contact: Shawn Uhlman, PDC, 503-823-7994
The Portland Development Commission has named Bobby Lee as Director of Economic Development. He will manage a team of 20 professional staff focused on the agency’s strategic goals for business and industry development, entrepreneurship, and community economic development. He will work closely with community leaders, private and public sector partners, and policy makers to advance PDC’s goals to foster shared prosperity and social equity.
Lee most recently served as the regional solutions coordinator in Governor Kate Brown’s office, where he led a state agency team to solve complex regional economic and community development challenges, with emphasis on social equity and sustainability. Before working in the governor’s office, he managed corporate communications, strategic planning and environmental services for Hynix Semiconductor Manufacturing in Eugene, Oregon.
PDC Executive Director Kimberly Branam said, “Bobby’s extensive experience working with both the private and public sectors across our state and region will be invaluable as we continue our efforts to spur economic growth and equitable opportunities throughout Portland.”
Lee said, “”I am honored to join a proven team that promotes sustained and equitable economic prosperity, and I’m committed to the work PDC is doing for all Portlanders as an agent of positive change.”
Lee is a current board member of Worksystems Inc. and a past board member of numerous community organizations. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Oregon, where he also served as student body president.
