Departments
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- Akil PattersonProgram ManagerAkil PattersonProgram Manager
- Alyson SchwiegerPolicy AnalystAlyson SchwiegerPolicy Analyst
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.- Amarillys ZurschmitSenior Administrative CoordinatorAmarillys ZurschmitSenior Administrative Coordinator
- Amy Fleck-RoseteProject ManagerAmy Fleck-RoseteProject 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. 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.- Andrea GallProject ManagerAndrea GallProject 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. What do you do at Prosper Portland?
I work in Economic Development, where I broker agreements and partnerships between business and community to meet the needs of employees and residents. I manage the Enterprise Zone program, I serve as project manager on large recruitments and brownfield redevelopment initiatives, and I manage funds to create workforce and small business development programming.
What do you like most about your job?
The work we do matters. Our tools help businesses to grow and create jobs and provide tangible benefits for our residents most in need. Wages increase. Businesses make more sales and are more productive. Our work is at the heart of many of those transactions.
What does equity mean to you?
Our organization has equity in assets that are tangible (property) and intangible (time, relationships, leverage, etc.). Equity is seeking ways to share publicly owned assets (tangible and intangible) to benefit residents who have fewer assets.- Angelica ButlerProject CoordinatorAngelica ButlerProject Coordinator
- Anielis RaasProject ManagerAnielis RaasProject Manager
- Anne Crispino-TaylorProject CoordinatorAnne Crispino-TaylorProject Coordinator
What do you do at Prosper Portland?
I provide administrative support to the Development and Investment Team.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy working with a team of individuals who are passionate and innovative about the work they do to make Portland desirable.
What does equity mean to you?
I believe, as a public servant, it is my job to ensure all members of our community have access to reliable public facilities, resources and economic advances. What do you do at Prosper Portland?
I work in the Communications & Involvement department, where I’m responsible for researching and writing stories for our publications and media outreach, website, and social media and helping my colleagues tell their own stories about our work.
What do you like most about your job?
I like telling a good story – and we have many of them! I believe in the power of the written word, I enjoy editing material to be direct and compelling and working with others to improve their own communications skills.
What does equity mean to you?
Equity means treating people with fairness, dignity, and respect, and recognizing that our differences (or similarities) bring us together as members of the human race.- Berk NelsonBusiness, Entertainment and Events ManagerBerk NelsonBusiness, Entertainment and Events Manager
- Bradley ReynoldsPrincipal Technical AccountantBradley ReynoldsPrincipal Technical Accountant
- Brian MooreDevelopment ManagerBrian MooreDevelopment Manager
- Caleb ComasProcurement Services CoordinatorCaleb ComasProcurement Services Coordinator
- Carlos MorenoSenior Business Finance OfficerCarlos MorenoSenior Business Finance Officer
- Cary SiemersIT AnalystCary SiemersIT 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. - Casey EdmondsonAssistant General CounselCasey EdmondsonAssistant General Counsel
- Chabre VickersDirector of Equity, Policy & CommunicationsChabre VickersDirector of Equity, Policy & Communications
- Chan SaeLeeBudget AnalystChan SaeLeeBudget 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.
- Charles FunchesProject ManagerCharles FunchesProject Manager
- Christian KaylorEconomic Data AnalystChristian KaylorEconomic Data Analyst
- Colin PolkEnvironmental CoordinatorColin PolkEnvironmental Coordinator
What do you do at Prosper Portland?
I manage environmental investigation and remediation activities for our projects and engage with state and federal regulatory agencies to facilitate the redevelopment of contaminated properties.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy working with teams of talented professionals to solve complex environmental challenges on large-scale projects that ultimately result in transforming blighted properties into viable and beneficial real estate.
What does equity mean to you?
An equitable city is one in which all can participate and prosper. - Connor ChapkisProject CoordinatorConnor ChapkisProject Coordinator
- Courtney CohnBudget AnalystCourtney CohnBudget Analyst
- Cristal FinleySenior Business Finance OfficerCristal FinleySenior Business Finance Officer
- Dan RuanProject ManagerDan RuanProject Manager
What do you do at Prosper Portland?
I work in the Economic Development Department, where I manage the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative Program and work with partners to deliver community driven economic development with a focus on equity. The three districts that I support are Our 42nd Avenue, Cully Blvd Alliance and the Rosewood Initiative.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy working directly with community partners to create opportunities and build wealth and stability for all community members. It is a joy to work with so many passionate and creative people to find solutions that alleviate the unique challenges that their neighborhood is facing.
What does equity mean to you?
Social equity occurs when everyone has access to resources and the opportunity to reach their goals, regardless of factors that people cannot affect.- David KochAssistant General CounselDavid KochAssistant General Counsel
- Debbie HansenAdministrative SpecialistDebbie HansenAdministrative Specialist
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. - Ellen Bolus-EdmondsProject ManagerEllen Bolus-EdmondsProject Manager
- Elyse TaylorProject ManagerElyse TaylorProject Manager
- Ember BreckenridgeProject ManagerEmber BreckenridgeProject 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. - Faythe AikenProgram Outcomes AnalystFaythe AikenProgram Outcomes Analyst
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.
- Frederick Davis-BrownLegal AssistantFrederick Davis-BrownLegal Assistant
- Gina BixbyPrincipal Technical AccountantGina BixbyPrincipal 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. - Gustavo J. Cruz Jr.Commission ChairGustavo J. Cruz Jr.Commission Chair
Cruz is of counsel at the law firm Farleigh Wada Witt 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. - Hope WhitneyGeneral CounselHope WhitneyGeneral Counsel
- Jennifer PruessSenior Administrative CoordinatorJennifer PruessSenior Administrative Coordinator
- Jennifer ReyesProject ManagerJennifer ReyesProject Manager
- Jessica ThompsonSenior Admistrative CoordinatorJessica ThompsonSenior Admistrative Coordinator
- Joel DevalcourtProject ManagerJoel DevalcourtProject Manager
- Joseph MolluskyProject ManagerJoseph MolluskyProject Manager
- Justin DouglasGovernance, Learning and Outcomes ManagerJustin DouglasGovernance, 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. - Kao SaechaoAccountantKao SaechaoAccountant
- Karen HarrisReal Estate & Lending Closer / ParalegalKaren HarrisReal 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. 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.- Kathryn HartingerProgram ManagerKathryn HartingerProgram 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.- Keith PadillaAccountantKeith PadillaAccountant
- Kevin FlaggConstruction Services Project ManagerKevin FlaggConstruction Services Project Manager
What do you do at Prosper Portland?
As the Metals and Machinery cluster liaison, my primary responsibilities involve helping manufacturers with workforce development; identifying resources for R&D/innovation; implementing lean/efficiency improvement; increasing sales; supporting makers and manufacturing startups; and identifying issues impacting manufacturers and engaging agencies and policymakers to find solutions.
What do you like most about your job?
I find working on solutions surrounding urban industrial conflicts with internal and external partners to be very gratifying. We have an abundance of homegrown talent existing in Portland, but we are also experiencing a large influx of new talent coming to our city not only in pursuit of employment opportunities, but also to participate in our innovation economy as entrepreneurs and makers. Let’s work together to take full advantage of this opportunity.
What does equity mean to you?
Equity to me means not only hiring, promoting and supporting individuals and businesses based on their individual merits and capabilities, but also nurturing those that have been historically disadvantaged so that they can reach new heights.- Kia CarnelusHuman Resources ConsultantKia CarnelusHuman Resources Consultant
Ms. Kimberly Branam, Executive Director for Prosper Portland, is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the city’s economic development and urban renewal agency.
In her previous position as Deputy Director, Ms. Branam oversaw the delivery of programs and initiatives within the Central City, Neighborhood and Business & Industry Divisions to further the agency’s strategic objectives. Ms. Branam came to Prosper Portland after spending four years leading Mayor Sam Adams’ economic development agenda, first as then-Commissioner Adams’ Senior Policy Director for Economic Development & Workforce Development and then as Director of Economic Development in the Mayor’s Office. In this latter role, Ms. Branam oversaw the development, adoption and implementation of the City’s first economic development strategy in 15 years on the Mayor’s behalf.
Prior to working for Mayor Adams, Ms. Branam earned a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. While at Harvard, she consulted to the US Treasury on the strengthening of targeted public/private partnerships and spent time working in Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s office. Before attending Harvard, Ms. Branam worked for the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Her work focused on education and community development in a rural village. After the Peace Corps, Ms. Branam remained in West Africa to serve as a community development project manager for Catholic Relief Services. Ms. Branam is a third generation Portlander, and a graduate of Grant High School and Colby College in Maine.
What do you do at Prosper Portland?
I’m responsible for leading our agency and ensuring we achieve our mission of creating economic growth and opportunity in Portland.
What do you like most about your job?
I love that the work we do supports businesses to create new opportunities, empowers people to change their lives, and helps communities to realize their aspirations across the city I grew up in and love.
What does equity mean to you?
To me, equity means many things. From a leadership perspective, it means helping transform Prosper Portland into an anti-racist organization. It means wrestling daily with the relative ease of being a white woman guiding our work, and the discomfort of being a leader without many of the equity-focused answers. It means listening, reading, reflecting and having unusually honest conversations. And, in the most personal way, it means beginning to see our city and nation through the eyes of my brown skin children. It’s complicated and it’s essential.- LaTasha WilliamsHuman Resources ConsultantLaTasha WilliamsHuman Resources Consultant
- Lazarus RomankiwProject CoordinatorLazarus RomankiwProject Coordinator
What do you do at Prosper Portland?
I work in the Equity, Governance and Communications department where I’m responsible for all the administrative duties for the department.
What do you like most about your job?
I love being able to look around the city at the projects we’ve done and know we had something to do with making the city a little better.
What does equity mean to you?
“The true measure of our success will be the number of people touched and transformed by our success.” ― Angela Ahrendts- Lisa AbuafDirector of Development & InvestmentLisa AbuafDirector 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. 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.- Marcelino AlvarezCommissionerMarcelino AlvarezCommissioner
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.
- Mark PadgettIT AnalystMark PadgettIT 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. - Meleani BatesRacial Equity and Inclusion SpecialistMeleani BatesRacial Equity and Inclusion Specialist
- Michi SlickCommissionerMichi SlickCommissioner
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.
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.- Nan RodriquezProcurement SpecialistNan RodriquezProcurement Specialist
- Ness ZolanProject ManagerNess ZolanProject Manager
- Nixie StarkProject CoordinatorNixie StarkProject 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.” - Onome EgbediReal Estate Portfolio AnalystOnome EgbediReal Estate Portfolio Analyst
- Oscar NoveloSenior Business Finance OfficerOscar NoveloSenior Business Finance Officer
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.”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.- Paul GagliardiProject ManagerPaul GagliardiProject Manager
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.- Qur’an FolsomChief Administrative OfficerQur’an FolsomChief Administrative Officer
- Rachel BentonSenior Project/Program SpecialistRachel BentonSenior Project/Program Specialist
- Robert SmithEntrepreneurship & Community Economic Development ManagerRobert SmithEntrepreneurship & 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 - Roger GonzalezProject ManagerRoger GonzalezProject 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.
- Sarah HarpoleSenior Project ManagerSarah HarpoleSenior 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 - Sarah KingProject ManagerSarah KingProject Manager
- Serena Stoudamire WesleyCommissionerSerena Stoudamire WesleyCommissioner
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.
- Sharon SmithProject ManagerSharon SmithProject 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.
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.- Shea Flaherty BetinDirector of Economic DevelopmentShea Flaherty BetinDirector of Economic Development
- Shelly HaackProject ManagerShelly HaackProject 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. - Steve JohnsonProcurement Business Operations ManagerSteve JohnsonProcurement Business Operations Manager
- Stevie MartinDatabase & Systems AdministratorStevie MartinDatabase & Systems Administrator
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.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.- Terry RosalesPayroll and Accounting SpecialistTerry RosalesPayroll and Accounting Specialist
- Toby CowellHuman Resources ManagerToby CowellHuman Resources Manager
- Tony BarnesFinance ManagerTony BarnesFinance Manager
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. - Wendy WilcoxConstruction & Compliance ManagerWendy WilcoxConstruction & 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. - William MyersCommissionerWilliam MyersCommissionerMyers is executive secretary of the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, an umbrella organization of 25 unions that represent some 20,000 construction workers employed by more than 2,000 signatory contractors in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Columbia counties. He formerly worked for the Sheet Metal Workers Local 16. Among his community activities, he sits on the state’s Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee and the Metropolitan Alliance for Workforce Equity. Myers married the love of his life, Elizabeth Mazzara Myers, in September 2015.
Myers was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on July 1, 2015. - Windol CadorProject ManagerWindol CadorProject Manager
- Yvonne SmokerProject ManagerYvonne SmokerProject Manager