Staff Directory

Learn more about our Board of Commissioners, Directors, and our dedicated staff.

Our Equity Statement

We acknowledge our past as we move forward to create economic opportunity and prosperity for all communities. We make racial equity the foundation of our community and economic development work. We hold ourselves accountable to Portland’s communities of color and others our work has negatively impacted. While racial equity is the primary lens to focus our efforts, we understand the connection between racism and other forms of bias that lead to oppression.

Within our workplace and working with our partners, we embrace values of authentic inclusion, transparency, and collaboration.

We work toward nothing less than an anti-racist Portland that welcomes and serves all communities and perspectives. We encourage our partners to do the same.

Go to Staff Contact List

Departments

  • Everyone
  • Administrative Services
  • Board of Commissioners
  • Development & Investment
  • Directors
  • Economic Development
  • Equity, Policy & Communications
  • Executive
  • Human Resources
  • Legal
  • Meet
    Akil
    Akil Patterson
    Program Manager
    Akil Patterson
    Program Manager
  • Meet
    Alyson
    Alyson Schwieger
    Policy Analyst
    Alyson Schwieger
    Policy Analyst
  • Meet
    Amanda
    Amanda Park
    Project Manager
    Amanda Park
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work on the community economic development team. I’m focused on supporting inclusive entrepreneurship through the oversight of Mercatus, an online storytelling platform and directory for entrepreneurs of color, and the coordination of a network of small business technical assistance providers, the Inclusive Business Resource Network.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like collaborating with the diversity of communities in Portland and the organizations that work to serve them.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means acknowledging the impacts of oppressive and racist systems and structures and working towards a community that provides the resources and opportunities that all people need to thrive and prosper.

  • Meet
    Amarillys
    Amarillys Zurschmit
    Senior Project/Program Specialist
    Amarillys Zurschmit
    Senior Project/Program Specialist
  • Meet
    Amori
    Amori Rix
    Senior Business Finance Officer
    Amori Rix
    Senior Business Finance Officer
  • Meet
    Amy
    Amy Fleck-Rosete
    Project Manager
    Amy Fleck-Rosete
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I am a Project Manager on our Entrepreneurship and Community Economic Development team. I work with our Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative Districts, providing technical assistance and grants to support community-led projects, events and programs.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like collaborating with neighborhood community groups and leaders to create solutions for issues that are impacting their neighborhoods. I feel so fortunate to be a part of an amazing network of folks that are making a difference for all Portlanders.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means changing systems that leave certain populations isolated, marginalized, and without access to important resources.

  • Meet
    Amy
    Amy Nagy
    Development Manager
    Amy Nagy
    Development Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Major Projects department, where I am responsible for managing redevelopment projects throughout the Central City and managing partnerships within the Oregon Convention Center URA.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like being a part of a place’s story at this point in its existence and creating sustainability strategies to ensure that whatever is built contributes positively to the surrounding environment.

    What does equity mean to you?

    It is a commitment to improving the livability of our community for all residents and to strengthening its viability for all who will live here in the future.

  • Meet
    Andrea
    Andrea Gall
    Project Manager
    Andrea Gall
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I am a member of the Business and Industry Team in the Economic Development department focusing on business development and international affairs, supporting projects and strategies that attract family-wage jobs to the city.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I love working towards the aspiration that Portland can become one of the most globally competitive, equitable, and healthy cities in the world.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means removing systemic barriers to allow for equal access to opportunities and holding ourselves accountable to communities that have been negatively impacted by these barriers.

  • Meet
    Andrew
    Andrew Fitzpatrick
    Interim Director of Economic Development
    Andrew Fitzpatrick
    Interim Director of Economic Development
  • Meet
    Angela
    Angela Rico
    Policy Analyst – Government Relations
    Angela Rico
    Policy Analyst – Government Relations
  • Meet
    Angelica
    Angelica Butler
    Project Coordinator
    Angelica Butler
    Project Coordinator
  • Meet
    Anielis
    Anielis Raas
    Project Manager
    Anielis Raas
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Berk
    Berk Nelson
    Events and Film Office Manager
    Berk Nelson
    Events and Film Office Manager
  • Meet
    Bradley
    Bradley Reynolds
    Lead Accountant
    Bradley Reynolds
    Lead Accountant
  • Meet
    Brian
    Brian Moore
    Development Manager
    Brian Moore
    Development Manager
  • Meet
    Caleb
    Caleb Comas
    Procurement Services Coordinator
    Caleb Comas
    Procurement Services Coordinator
  • Meet
    Cary
    Cary Siemers
    IT Analyst
    Cary Siemers
    IT Analyst

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Information Technologies group and I’m responsible for administering our cloud-based tools.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I can show my family the good work that is done by us around Portland.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means that all people, regardless of skin color, gender, or age are treated the same.

  • Meet
    Casey
    Casey Edmondson
    Deputy General Counsel
    Casey Edmondson
    Deputy General Counsel
  • Meet
    Chabre
    Chabre Vickers
    Director of Equity, Policy & Communications
    Chabre Vickers
    Director of Equity, Policy & Communications
  • Meet
    Chan
    Chan SaeLee
    Budget Analyst
    Chan SaeLee
    Budget Analyst

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Finance & Business Operations department, where I'm responsible for Loan/Grant Accounting, Real Estate Accounting and backup for other Finance and Business Operations.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like the problem solving and implementation aspect of my role here, as well as knowing that I'm using my skills to benefit my city and community.

    What does equity mean to you?

    To me, equity means everyone having the same advantages and opportunities. Not being held back by race, religion, gender or economic circumstances outside of their control.

  • Meet
    Charles
    Charles Funches
    Project Manager
    Charles Funches
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Christian
    Christian Kaylor
    Economic Data Analyst
    Christian Kaylor
    Economic Data Analyst
  • Meet
    Connor
    Connor Chapkis
    Project Coordinator
    Connor Chapkis
    Project Coordinator
  • Meet
    Courtney
    Courtney Cohn
    Interim Principal Budget Analyst
    Courtney Cohn
    Interim Principal Budget Analyst
  • Meet
    Dan
    Dan Ruan
    Project Manager
    Dan Ruan
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Daniel
    Daniel Te
    Project Coordinator
    Daniel Te
    Project Coordinator
  • Meet
    Dante
    Dante Posadas
    Business Operations/Purchasing Manager
    Dante Posadas
    Business Operations/Purchasing Manager
  • Meet
    David
    David Koch
    Senior Deputy General Counsel
    David Koch
    Senior Deputy General Counsel
  • Meet
    Debbie
    Debbie Hansen
    Business Operations Office Coordinator
    Debbie Hansen
    Business Operations Office Coordinator

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    As an administrative specialist, I support Prosper Portland in a variety of ways such as assisting departments with file archiving requests, tracking use of our car share programs, helping purchasing and accounting with their day-to-day work, and routinely saving the day!

    What do you like most about your job?

    My job allows me to work on a variety of projects with people throughout the organization.

    What does equity mean to you?

    To me, equity means a state of equality and fairness such that everyone shares the same rights, protections, and freedoms.

  • Meet
    Debra
    Debra Lindsay
    Construction Business and Workforce Equity Project Manager
    Debra Lindsay
    Construction Business and Workforce Equity Project Manager
  • Meet
    Elaine
    Elaine Hsieh
    Project Coordinator
    Elaine Hsieh
    Project Coordinator
  • Meet
    Elyse
    Elyse Taylor
    Project Manager
    Elyse Taylor
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Ember
    Ember Breckenridge
    Project Manager
    Ember Breckenridge
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Asset & Investment Department, where I am responsible for the management and maintenance of Prosper Portland’s facilities and properties.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I enjoy being able to engage with various community partners and contractors in the use and beautification of the properties, as well as the hands-on aspect of property management and maintenance.

    What does equity mean to you?

    The idea that all people have access to programs, facilities, places, and spaces that make their lives and communities great.

  • Meet
    Faythe
    Faythe Aiken
    Project Manager
    Faythe Aiken
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Equity, Governance & Communications team, where I'm responsible for the development of organizational reporting on compliance and outcomes.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like supporting our project teams to think critically about how to use data to improve processes in their work aimed at creating a more equitable Portland.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity work involves the dismantling of structural and systemic barriers that benefit some groups at the expense of others. An equitable society is one where all have the right to work, play, and love as they choose.

  • Meet
    Felisa
    Felisa Hagins
    Commissioner
    Felisa Hagins
    Commissioner

    As the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Oregon State Council Director, Felisa Hagins has dedicated her career to advocating for fair labor practices and economic equity, ensuring that every worker, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Felisa’s experience in labor relations, labor policy, housing advocacy, commercial development, and workforce development has equipped her with a deep understanding of the economic challenges that diverse communities face in Portland. Felisa is committed to bringing this crucial perspective to the forefront, striving to implement strategies that elevate economic prosperity and create equitable opportunities across all sectors of our city. She was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on June 5, 2024.

  • Meet
    Frederick
    Frederick Davis-Brown
    Legal Assistant
    Frederick Davis-Brown
    Legal Assistant
  • Meet
    Gina
    Gina Bixby
    Principal Technical Accountant
    Gina Bixby
    Principal Technical Accountant

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Finance and Business Operations Department, in the Loan/Grants area performing analyses, reconciliations and financial reports.

    What do you like most about your job?

    Finance is like a continually fluctuating puzzle and it’s gratifying when you get all the pieces pulled together; I enjoy those challenges paired with the routines and financial cycles.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Social equity is more than just a lack of barriers to equal treatment under the law. It’s a philosophy that embraces, celebrates and sees the value in all forms of diversity. Equity is the catalytic wave created by society to foster the highest potential of each individual.

  • Meet
    Gustavo
    Gustavo J. Cruz Jr.
    Commission Chair
    Gustavo J. Cruz Jr.
    Commission Chair

    Cruz is of counsel at the law firm Hathaway Larson with a practice in commercial finance, corporate finance and general business matters. His background includes service as a commercial lender and credit approval officer at a financial institution, and as in-house counsel with U.S. Bank in the Special Assets Group. He was born in Portland and has been active on several nonprofit boards, including the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, where he currently serves as board chair, and the Northwest District Association. Cruz played rugby in college and for a men’s club team and enjoys reunions with his rugby friends. He also enjoys spending time with his son, volunteering in his community, reading, and University of Oregon football. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon and Lewis and Clark Law School.

    Cruz was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on July 1, 2015.

  • Meet
    Hope
    Hope Whitney
    General Counsel
    Hope Whitney
    General Counsel
  • Meet
    Jennifer
    Jennifer Pruess
    Senior Administrative Coordinator
    Jennifer Pruess
    Senior Administrative Coordinator
  • Meet
    Jennifer
    Jennifer Reyes
    Project Manager
    Jennifer Reyes
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Jerrohn
    Jerrohn Jordan
    Project Manager
    Jerrohn Jordan
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Jessica
    Jessica Thompson
    Senior Admistrative Coordinator
    Jessica Thompson
    Senior Admistrative Coordinator
  • Meet
    Joel
    Joel Devalcourt
    Project Manager
    Joel Devalcourt
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Jon
    Jon Bebe
    Project Manager
    Jon Bebe
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Joseph
    Joseph Mollusky
    Project Manager
    Joseph Mollusky
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Julieanna
    Julieanna Elegant
    Project Manager
    Julieanna Elegant
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Justin
    Justin Douglas
    Governance, Learning and Outcomes Manager
    Justin Douglas
    Governance, Learning and Outcomes Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    My work focuses on delivering on Prosper Portland’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, through coordinating the flow of information to the Board of Commissioners, facilitating Leadership Team alignment, delivering on the Long Term Business Plan, and ensuring that we consistently report on the outcomes of our work.

    What do you like most about your job?

    It is an honor and a privilege to be able to say that I work on behalf of the good citizens of Portland.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Social equity is my commitment to ensuring that all Portlanders have access and opportunities to a prosperous, happy, fulfilling life.

  • Meet
    Kao
    Kao Saechao
    Accountant
    Kao Saechao
    Accountant
  • Meet
    Karen
    Karen Harris
    Real Estate & Lending Closer / Paralegal
    Karen Harris
    Real Estate & Lending Closer / Paralegal

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I am a paralegal in the legal department. Along with supporting our General and Assistant Counsels, I work closely with multiple departments, facilitating the closing of real estate and financial transactions.

    What do you like most about your job?

    It is a pleasure working with so many talented individuals all focused on one goal…making Portland a healthy, thriving and diverse city where all residents are treated equally and encouraged to fully realize their aspirations.

    What does equity mean to you?

    I believe every member of humanity has a contribution to make to the community. No one should be judged or disadvantaged by their race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, social economic class or religion. Working together, we can foster collaborative partnerships, engage cultural differences, promote dialogue and provide community spaces, making Portland a better city for present and future generations.

  • Meet
    Kate
    Kate Merrill
    Project Manager
    Kate Merrill
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Katherine
    Katherine Juengel
    Project Manager
    Katherine Juengel
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work with companies and partners in the climate tech, green building and environmental industries to grow and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive Green Cities Cluster. I serve as a connector for stakeholders and local companies in this space and companies from outside Portland interested in establishing a presence here.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I really enjoy learning about all aspects of climate innovation and the diversity of industries and stakeholders I get to work with. We are at a very exciting time in Portland where we have a chance to both grow our community and business solutions solving climate change and, at the same time, expand economic opportunities for communities who have been left out of the green economy and often the ones most often negatively impacted by climate change. There’s a very diverse coalition of stakeholders in Portland who are ready to tackle that challenge, a community that cares a lot about being inclusive, resilient, innovative and ready to culturally engage differently in how we solve for the effects of climate change.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Whether we like it or not, we have all been patterned in this society with notions of privilege and oppression based on race, ethnicity, gender or ability. To me, equity means repatterning ourselves to recognize & change those patterns so that we can see beyond the veil of the harmful patterns we’ve been taught and recognize the value and importance of every human being.

  • Meet
    Kathryn
    Kathryn Hartinger
    Program Manager
    Kathryn Hartinger
    Program Manager
  • Meet
    Kay
    Kay Little
    Investment Manager
    Kay Little
    Investment Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in Prosper Portland’s loan department and I’m responsible for underwriting loan requests and working with borrowers in need of business or commercial real estate financing.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I enjoy learning about my clients’ businesses and working with them to secure financing that will meet their needs, whether those funds come from Prosper Portland or another lender.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Sadly, many people face systemic obstacles that hinder them from enjoying the full spectrum of basic human rights. Any discrimination against people, whether due to race, gender, sexual orientation or other reasons, is simply wrong. To me, equity is the recognition of these systemic obstacles, followed by their removal, so all people can reach their full potential.

  • Meet
    Keith
    Keith Padilla
    Accountant
    Keith Padilla
    Accountant
  • Meet
    Kevin
    Kevin Flagg
    Construction Services Project Manager
    Kevin Flagg
    Construction Services Project Manager
  • Meet
    Kia
    Kia Carnelus
    Human Resources Consultant
    Kia Carnelus
    Human Resources Consultant
  • Meet
    Kiana
    Kiana Ballo
    Project Coordinator
    Kiana Ballo
    Project Coordinator
  • Meet
    Lashell
    Lashell Harris
    Senior Administrative Coordinator
    Lashell Harris
    Senior Administrative Coordinator
  • Meet
    Lazarus
    Lazarus Romankiw
    Project Coordinator
    Lazarus Romankiw
    Project Coordinator
  • Meet
    Lisa
    Lisa Abuaf
    Interim Deputy Executive Director | Director of Development & Investment
    Lisa Abuaf
    Interim Deputy Executive Director | Director of Development & Investment

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Development & Investment Department, where I’m responsible for managing a team of staff that delivers on the priorities of our communities and partners through neighborhood based development and financial investments.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like working with Portland’s residents and businesses to help realize public investments that support their goals for the future of our city.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Social equity means being intentional about how our projects, programs, and investments have a positive social impact within the communities that they are made and providing those communities with fair access to engagement and opportunities for growth.

  • Meet
    Lisa
    Lisa Norwood
    Digital Media Program Manager
    Lisa Norwood
    Digital Media Program Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Communications & Involvement department, where I’m responsible for the design of our publications, development of our website, and communications through our social media channels.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like using technology to engage with the public about our projects and programs that make our city a better place to live.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means that everyone in our community has equal opportunities, resources, access and rights, and that all of our voices are heard.

  • Meet
    Marcelino
    Marcelino Alvarez
    Commissioner
    Marcelino Alvarez
    Commissioner

    Marcelino Alvarez is the CEO of Photon Marine, which is building an intelligent electric outboard motor system, tailored to commercial boat fleets. He began his career in advertising, producing digital campaigns at Crispin Porter + Bogusky and Wieden + Kennedy. He later founded Uncorked Studios, a product design firm that helped companies such as Samsung, Nike, Google, Intel, and Adidas bring innovative software and hardware products to market. He is a mentor for PIE (Portland Incubator Experiment) and a member of the board of directors for The Freshwater Trust. He was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on September 6, 2023.

  • Meet
    Mark
    Mark Padgett
    IT Analyst
    Mark Padgett
    IT Analyst

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in IT on the helpdesk.

    What do you like most about your job?

    We are a small shop so I have many hats I wear to help keep the lights on.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means all receive a fair shake when it comes to access to resources and treatment under the law.

  • Meet
    Matthew
    Matthew Faunt
    Project Manager
    Matthew Faunt
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Meleani
    Meleani Bates
    Racial Equity and Inclusion Specialist
    Meleani Bates
    Racial Equity and Inclusion Specialist
  • Meet
    Michi
    Michi Slick
    Commissioner
    Michi Slick
    Commissioner

    Michi is a Principal with Killian Pacific, a Portland-based company that owns and develops apartment, office, industrial, and mixed-use real estate properties regionally. She serves on the City of Portland’s Advance Portland Advisory Committee, City of Vancouver’s City Center Redevelopment Authority, Oregon Smart Growth’s Policy Committee, and Urban Land Institute’s Portland NEXT Committee. Before Killian Pacific, Michi worked in real estate development in New York, Washington D.C., and Shanghai, and spent several years prior with architecture firms in New York and Los Angeles. She was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on September 6, 2023.

  • Meet
    Mitch
    Mitch Daugherty
    Office of Small Business Manager
    Mitch Daugherty
    Office of Small Business Manager
  • Meet
    Morgan
    Morgan Masterman
    Project Manager
    Morgan Masterman
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    As a member of the Entrepreneurship and Community Economic Development Team, I help small businesses thrive.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like being a connector and learning about new resources I can share with my community of entrepreneurs and business advisors.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means that resources are accessible to everyone, and funders are dedicated to ensuring that everyone is aware of these opportunities, especially those who are underserved.

  • Meet
    Nan
    Nan Rodriquez
    Procurement Specialist
    Nan Rodriquez
    Procurement Specialist
  • Meet
    Ness
    Ness Zolan
    Project Manager
    Ness Zolan
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Nixie
    Nixie Stark
    Project Coordinator
    Nixie Stark
    Project Coordinator

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I’m on the Community Economic Development team and my job is to help businesses get what they need to be more successful, and to help administer the Prosperity Investment Program (PIP) grant.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like working with small businesses to connect them to the resources they need – either here at Prosper Portland, or through our partners – in order to be more successful. I also love distributing grant money to businesses to improve their properties!

    What does equity mean to you?

    Social equality is essential to the wellness and prosperity of every human being, for no one can truly prosper on the backs of others. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “If one is oppressed, all are oppressed.”

  • Meet
    Onome
    Onome Egbedi
    Real Estate Portfolio Analyst
    Onome Egbedi
    Real Estate Portfolio Analyst
  • Meet
    Oscar
    Oscar Novelo
    Senior Business Finance Officer
    Oscar Novelo
    Senior Business Finance Officer
  • Meet
    Pam
    Pam Feigenbutz
    Senior Executive Assistant
    Pam Feigenbutz
    Senior Executive Assistant

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I support the Executive Director of Prosper Portland and the agency’s Commissioners. I also maintain relationships with internal and external contacts and support the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioner Meetings.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like connecting with internal staff and external stakeholders to help facilitate the outcomes they are seeking.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means recognizing that we are all living, breathing, flesh, bones, soul and spirit. We are no different from one another despite our outward appearance, a different belief system or any other item that may be different from “you.”

  • Meet
    Pam
    Pam Neal
    Business Advancement Manager
    Pam Neal
    Business Advancement Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Economic Development department and serve as the clean technology cluster liaison to support business development activities.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like supporting our businesses who are creating employment opportunities for our residents and who are creating and deploying clean technologies that protect our environment.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity is the path to innovation and shared prosperity. Our job is to increase economic opportunities for low-income populations and people of color.

  • Meet
    Patrick
    Patrick Prince
    Project Manager
    Patrick Prince
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Paul
    Paul Gagliardi
    Project Manager
    Paul Gagliardi
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Paula
    Paula Edwards
    IT Technical Lead
    Paula Edwards
    IT Technical Lead

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I am part of the Information Technology (IT) Team, where my responsibilities include the translation of business and operational requirements into designs and specifications for workable IT solutions that will help meet our agency’s business goals.

    What do you like most about your job?

    What I love about this job is knowing that my work contributes to making our city a great place to live and work.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Creating conditions and providing resources that give everyone the opportunity to participate and work at fulfilling their aspirations for a better life.

  • Meet
    Rachel
    Rachel Benton
    Senior Project/Program Specialist
    Rachel Benton
    Senior Project/Program Specialist
  • Meet
    Robert
    Robert Smith
    Entrepreneurship & Community Economic Development Manager
    Robert Smith
    Entrepreneurship & Community Economic Development Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work on the Governance, Learning and Outcomes team where I maintain our geographic information system, perform mapping and other place-based research, and assist in the development and tracking of performance measures for the agency.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I enjoy getting to work with such a talented and motivated group of people who are all committed to having a positive impact on our local economy, neighborhoods, and the communities that we serve.

    What does equity mean to you?

    The undoing of years of institutional influence that has resulted in a social construct which inhibits certain groups of people from accessing, participating in, and benefitting from opportunities that should

  • Meet
    Roger
    Roger Gonzalez
    Project Manager
    Roger Gonzalez
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Governance, Learning and Outcomes team where I am responsible for facilitating the community benefits agreement associated with the Broadway Corridor project. This project will inform agency-wide delivery of public benefits.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like to help ensure that our investments and development in the city create access to opportunities for all of our residents. I work alongside dedicated public servants who work hard to create a more equitable community.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Creating opportunities and access for communities who have been locked out through institutional, systemic, and societal marginalization and oppression by disrupting and dismantling those processes.

  • Meet
    Sarah
    Sarah Harpole
    Project Manager
    Sarah Harpole
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work in the Development and Investment department, where I coordinate the community engagement and planning activities for the Broadway Corridor, including the U.S. Post Office parcel and Portland’s Union Station. I also partner with the Old Town/Chinatown community to implement the Old Town/Chinatown Five-Year Action Plan, which was endorsed by City Council in August 2014.

    What do you like most about your job?

    Collaborating with community members and other partners to envision and implement projects that have a long term impact on the vibrancy and health of our city.

    What does equity mean to you?

    “Genuine equality means not treating everyone the same, but attending equally to everyone’s different needs.” ― Terry Eagleton

  • Meet
    Sarah
    Sarah King
    Project Manager
    Sarah King
    Project Manager
  • Meet
    Serena
    Serena Stoudamire Wesley
    Commissioner
    Serena Stoudamire Wesley
    Commissioner

    Serena Stoudamire Wesley is an Oregon native with a passion for her community, public relations, and community engagement. She currently serves as Youth Development Director with the Oregon Department of Education. She was previously Policy Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the offices of Oregon Governor Kate Brown, and held a similar policy directing position at the Chief Education Office (formerly Oregon Education Investment Board). She is a member of the Warner Pacific University Board of Trustees and a former member of the Portland Children’s Levy Allocation Committee. She was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on July 10, 2020 and reappointed July 9, 2022.

  • Meet
    Sharon
    Sharon Smith
    Project Manager
    Sharon Smith
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work on the grants team and support projects in the N/NE URA.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity means being aware that everyone matters and all people deserve equal and fair footing in everything. It means being proactive. It means thinking outside the box. It means standing up for others. It means taking risks.

  • Meet
    Shawn
    Shawn Uhlman
    Communications and Involvement Manager
    Shawn Uhlman
    Communications and Involvement Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I lead the Communications & Involvement department at Prosper Portland. We manage all internal and external communications on behalf of the agency. That include news releases, the website, social media, video production, and print materials.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I truly appreciate the opportunity to work with a dynamic group of very smart people – all of whom are committed to doing what they can on behalf of Portlanders to make this city a better place. I especially enjoy working with the Public Affairs team members who inspire, teach and tolerate me each day.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equity is an essential principle that, to me, means all individuals are treated with respect and dignity regardless of color, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, or income level. It means access to opportunities that will enable people to flourish, to feel safe and empowered to provide their own unique contributions to their families and communities. Focusing on equity allows us to learn about others, but more importantly, in enables us to learn about ourselves and to realize how powerful we actually are when it comes to making a positive difference.

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    Shea
    Shea Flaherty Betin
    Interim Executive Director
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    Shelly
    Shelly Haack
    Project Manager
    Shelly Haack
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I’m a Business Opportunity Officer and responsible for the creation of new financing programs for Prosper Portland. Most recently I developed PropertyFit, a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) financing program operating in Multnomah County.

    What do you like most about your job?

    The opportunity to use my skills and experience to create new financing tools to impact complex community needs.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equal access to opportunity, resources and political systems to grow individual and community capacity regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religious affiliation or sexual orientation.

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    Stevie
    Stevie Martin
    Database & Systems Administrator
    Stevie Martin
    Database & Systems Administrator
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    Sucheta
    Sucheta Bal
    Project Manager
    Sucheta Bal
    Project Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I work to develop and manage programs, events, and projects related to the Athletic and Outdoor (A&O) industry. Our goal is to help companies create more good paying jobs and increase access to these jobs for Portlanders of all backgrounds. The industry includes apparel, footwear, bike, gear, accessories, and fashion companies of all sizes.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like being able to help people connect. There are so many resources available to entrepreneurs and talent in this city, but a lot of times people don’t know where to look for help. I like being able to foster those connections and help people realize how supportive of a community we have in Portland and in the A&O industry.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Social equity means that society agrees to work together to help all its members have access to the resources they need to achieve their greatest potential no matter what their background.

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    Tais
    Tais Fedorov
    Senior Administrative Coordinator
    Tais Fedorov
    Senior Administrative Coordinator
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    Terri
    Terri Morgan
    Senior Project Program Specialist
    Terri Morgan
    Senior Project Program Specialist

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I support the Lending Team as we invest in businesses in our local community.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like partnering with fabulous people to make a difference in our city.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Demonstrating respect for each person by providing equal access to opportunity.

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    Terry
    Terry Rosales
    Payroll and Systems Administrator
    Terry Rosales
    Payroll and Systems Administrator
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    Tony
    Tony Barnes
    Chief Financial Officer
    Tony Barnes
    Chief Financial Officer

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I manage PDC’s financial planning activities which include budget development, budget and revenue management, and long-term financial planning.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I like helping to create the financial framework and tools used to implement projects and programs that are building a more equitable economy in Portland.

    What does equity mean to you?

    To me, equity begins with identifying and recognizing historical and ongoing inequities in our society and economy. I think it’s critical that we are focused on addressing and removing inequities by ensuring that all people, especially those who have been historically underserved, have access to tools, resources and opportunities necessary to prosper.

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    Trevor
    Trevor A. Brandon
    Accounting Technician & Administrative Coordinator
    Trevor A. Brandon
    Accounting Technician & Administrative Coordinator
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    Veronica
    Veronica Connolly
    Human Resources Consultant
    Veronica Connolly
    Human Resources Consultant
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    Wendy
    Wendy Wilcox
    Construction & Compliance Manager
    Wendy Wilcox
    Construction & Compliance Manager

    What do you do at Prosper Portland?

    I coordinate small to mid size construction projects mostly on properties we own. I also serve as the Green Building Policy Compliance Coordinator.

    What do you like most about your job?

    I enjoy working on projects on a team where I know that our outcomes will provide healthy green buildings and will be purposely directed to provide equitable access to jobs, housing and small business opportinuties.

    What does equity mean to you?

    Equal access for all, everyone is welcomed, supported and valued at the proverbial table regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, religion, origin etc.

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    William
    William Thier
    Real Estate Manager
    William Thier
    Real Estate Manager
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    Yume
    Yume Delegato
    Senior Communications Coordinator
    Yume Delegato
    Senior Communications Coordinator
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    Yvonne
    Yvonne Smoker
    Project Manager
    Yvonne Smoker
    Project Manager