Portland Development Commission Executive Director Kimberly Branam has hired a key member of her leadership team and announced an agency restructuring to ensure it can effectively meet the goals called for in the PDC 2015-2020 Strategic Plan.

“PDC is at a critical juncture,” said Branam. “I believe now is the time to position the agency to continue to play an essential role in the development and economic growth of Portland and to do so in a way that ensures our investments have equitable benefits across our communities.”

Branam announced the hiring of Serilda Summers-McGee as the new director of human relations and workforce development. Summers-McGee is currently the director of human resources for the Oregon Department of Education and will join PDC in early October.

“I am thrilled we are able to hire someone with Serilda’s expertise and proven track record of developing high-functioning, diverse workplaces,” said Branam. “While Serilda will have a broad array of duties in her portfolio, her first order of business will be to oversee the recruitment and hiring of three key leadership team positions. I have full confidence in her ability to lead these crucial efforts and look forward to working with her.”

Branam also announced the creation of three new positions to lead PDC’s real estate, economic development, and social equity, policy and communications work. Current PDC Central City manager Lisa Abuaf will be interim director of development and investment; senior business development coordinator Tory Campbell will be interim director of economic development. PDC expects to hire a director of communication, social equity and policy this fall.

Jillian Detweiler will move from the office of Mayor Charlie Hales to serve as the interim development manager.

“With retirements and departures within the agency, we recognized we needed someone who could step in and assist us in continuing to advance our critical work,” said Branam. “Jillian’s deep knowledge and expertise will prove invaluable and we are fortunate to have her join us.”

“I’ve been fortunate to work with Jillian for many years, and I am excited to see her transition to PDC, continuing to advance our collective priorities,” said Mayor Charlie Hales. “PDC will be well served by her thoughtful, collaborative style and ability to manage complicated issues.”

All three directors will assume their new roles effective Monday, October 3.