Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC) Announces Chase McPherson as New Executive Director
The NW Community Conservancy (NWCC) has hired its first Executive Director, Chase McPherson. The non-profit organization aims to improve the lives of all who live, work, learn, and play in the Pearl District through increased public-private partnerships. In the past approximately 16 months, over 1,600 houseless within the district have been moved to shelters, 1000 members have called the hotline, and the average hotline call for support takes 8 minutes.
For more NWCC metrics, visit our website NWCCpdx.com
Press Release
Download PDF: Link to PDF: Press Release: Chase McPherson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact: Ken Thrasher
Board Chair NWCC
Email: ken.thrasher49@gmail.com
Chase McPherson email: chase@nwccpdx.org
Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC) Announces Chase McPherson as New Executive Director
Portland, OR – August 11, 2024 – The Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chase McPherson as its first Executive Director, effective September 1, 2024.
McPherson's extensive experience, particularly his impactful role with Downtown Clean and Safe, positions him as the ideal leader to guide NWCC's mission of enhancing the livability and business climate of the Pearl District.
On behalf of the NWCC board, Chair Ken Thrasher expressed enthusiasm about McPherson's appointment, stating, "We are really excited to have Chase join NWCC as we continue to expand our presence in the Pearl District in providing a safe and livable community, and working to improve the business climate. Chase brings great skills and a proven track record of success, having spent five years at Clean and Safe and having an extensive background in commercial real estate and in supporting local communities."
During his tenure as the Downtown Retail Advocate for Downtown Clean and Safe, McPherson was instrumental in helping Portland's downtown area revitalize from the challenges the city faced in the past few years. He spearheaded initiatives that not only supported existing retailers but also attracted new businesses, particularly focusing on local, woman-owned, and minority-owned enterprises. Under McPherson's leadership, the Downtown Retail Grant program flourished, providing essential support to small and local businesses. His work activating vacant storefronts through the Holiday Pop-up program brought renewed energy to the downtown area, creating opportunities for new retailers and enhancing the overall community experience.
In his role as Executive Director, McPherson will bring this wealth of experience to NWCC. He will oversee all aspects of the organization, including strategy development in collaboration with the NWCC board, engagement with community partners, and management of key fundraising and financial initiatives. His leadership will be instrumental in driving NWCC's mission to create a thriving, inclusive environment for the Pearl District's residents, visitors, and businesses.
Reflecting on his new role, McPherson stated, "I am honored to lead NWCC in their next steps to promote the livability and vibrancy of the Pearl District. NWCC has laid a fantastic foundation to help Pearl District businesses and residents grow the district to the positive and welcoming urban environment that it is destined to be. As a commercial real estate principal broker and previously working as the retail advocate with Downtown Clean and Safe, I am excited to use my history to continue the great work NWCC has done to improve the personal and business livability of the Pearl District."
Ken Thrasher also emphasized the strategic importance of this new phase for NWCC, noting, "We have learned a lot over the past 18 months and see this as the next phase of our current plan—being responsive to the community's needs while helping existing and new businesses be better supported in the Pearl. With his experience working with governmental bodies, Chase will be a big asset in leveraging those relationships."
About Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC)
NWCC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed to address the Pearl District’s growing challenges and enhance safety and livability for all who live, work, play and learn in the Pearl District neighborhood. NWCC’s humanitarian-first approach collaborates with Loving One Another (LOA), a non-profit organization, to provide essential services to help individuals transition from living on the streets to shelters. NWCC partners with the Pearl District Neighborhood Association and Adopt One Block, keeping the neighborhood clean. For public safety, NWCC collaborates with the Portland Police Bureau and Pacific Echelon to further enhance security in the community.
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