February 18, 2011
Mayor Sam Adams and Portland Development Commission Board Chair Scott Andrews today announced Patrick Quinton as the new executive director of the Portland Development Commission. Quinton replaces Bruce Warner who announced his retirement at the end of last year.
“Patrick’s thorough knowledge of economic development and finance coupled with his past experience as a leader with large organizations provide him with excellent credentials,” said Mayor Adams. “He also has a passion for the work PDC does and his commitment to Portland is beyond question. I have full confidence in Patrick and his abilities.”
“We spent a considerable amount of time on this hiring process and spoke with an array of internal and external stakeholders,” said Chair Andrews. “PDC faces a number of significant issues, as does the city. Mayor Adams and I wanted to be certain we selected the right candidate to meet current and future challenges and I am absolutely convinced we did just that.”
Quinton has been with PDC for three years and currently serves as the Business and Industry Division Manager. He was a driving force behind the shaping of the city’s Economic Development Strategy and played a critical role in the Vestas and ReVolt recruitments as well as the formation of the Portland Seed Fund.
Prior to joining PDC, Quinton spent eight years with Textron Financial Corporation and eight years with ShoreBank Corporation in a variety of leadership positions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Government from Dartmouth College and a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.
Pending approval of the PDC Board, Quinton will assume his new role on Wednesday, Feb. 23.
“I am very excited to lead an agency that does amazing work every day on behalf of the citizens of Portland,” said Quinton. “We have challenging work ahead as the city continues on the road to economic recovery, but I have tremendous confidence in the dedicated staff at PDC and I look forward to this opportunity.”
