September 29, 2010
Colas-Dickson brings small-biz acumen, commitment to diversity and sustainability to her service
Portland, Ore. – Portland City Council today unanimously confirmed (4-0, with Comm. Dan Saltzman absent) Aneshka Colas-Dickson as the newest board member of the Portland Development Commission (PDC). Ms. Colas-Dickson’s nomination and appointment fill the seat vacated Bertha Ferran, who expertly served on the PDC Board for six years, until the completion of her two terms.
“Aneshka represents a new generation of business and civic leadership in Portland,” said Portland Mayor Sam Adams. “Her knowledge, energy and point of view will help guide PDC in the coming years.”
Ms. Colas-Dickson brings to the Commission a unique set of experiences and insights, providing key competencies in issue areas highly central to PDC’s mission. Those competencies include an expertise in neighborhood economic development and proven work across the City of Portland. Aneshka has spent the past 13 years operating her family’s Portland-based construction firm and is well-aware of the challenges facing small businesses.
Aneshka will bring to the Board her understanding of the needs and priorities of small businesses in Portland, especially businesses in the construction industry, one of the hardest-hit industries in this world-wide economic recession.
“The other commissioners and I believe that her 10-plus years of experience in this industry, coupled with her position as a young, up-and-coming business leader will bring a fresh perspective to the Commission,” said Scott Andrews, Chair of the PDC Commission. “We look forward to working with her in the years to come.”
Ms. Colas-Dickson is currently vice president and chief financial officer of Portland-based Colas Construction, Inc. Colas Construction is a family-owned, general contracting firm that specializes in mixed use, affordable housing, tenant improvements, and commercial construction projects and has grown steadily since its founding in 1997.
“Mayor Adams continues to take bold and innovative steps to have a more inclusive workforce within his administration,” said Maurice Rahming, president, National Association of Minority Contractors – Oregon. “This appointment of Aneshka Colas-Dickson to the PDC Board is just one more example of that. NAMC Oregon is very excited about this appointment.”
A native Oregonian, graduate of the University of Oregon, and licensed realtor, Aneshka knows the real estate business from development through construction.
“As a lifelong Portlander, a parent with young children, and a small-business owner, I am incredibly honored for this opportunity to serve my community,” said Colas-Dickson. “I intend to tap into my own commitment to help build a city that is diverse, equitable and sustainable, for my generation and my children’s generation.”
