Washington County, Oregon – October 26, 2017 – An impressive array of leaders from across Washington County has been assembled by Vision Action Network (VAN) to chart a course for strengthening the region’s large, diverse nonprofit sector. Stakeholders from the business, government, foundation, and nonprofit sectors will guide an ambitious and far-reaching strategic planning process.

“For nearly ten years, Vision Action Network has supported hundreds of nonprofits in Washington County,” said Glenn Montgomery, executive director. “This is a large and complex sector with thousands of employees from start-ups to mature organizations, and budgets ranging from zero to tens of millions of dollars. As the needs of the sector grow and evolve, so must the response, and VAN is thrilled to have the support of so many community leaders to help chart a path forward.”

Since 2008, VAN has provided capacity building services for nonprofits through its Washington County Nonprofit Network (WCNN) program. Last year, WCNN served over 225 professionals representing over 140 nonprofits. The strategic planning process will enhance WCNN’s services, expand its reach to underserved communities, including rural Washington County, and advance equity in the region. The 17-member strategic planning steering committee includes:

● Lacey Beaty, School Clinic Director, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Clinic; Beaverton City Councilor
● Kirsten Carpentier, Development Director, HomePlate Youth Services
● Mychal Cherry, Executive Director, Spirit Mountain Community Fund
● Bridget Cooke, Executive Director, Adelante Mujeres
● Cindy Dauer, Executive Director, Tualatin Valley Creates (formerly Westside Cultural Alliance)
● Bob Davis, Administrator, Washington County; Vision Action Network Board
● Max Ebnother, Oregon External Affairs Manager, Intel
● Lisa Faust, Senior Vice President, Pacific Continental Bank
● Alexander Flores, Engineering Analyst, Daimler Trucks North America; Centro Cultural Board Chair
● Roberto Franco, Latino Program Manager, Oregon Community Foundation
● Armando Jimenez, Health Educator, Tuality Healthcare ¡Salud!; Centro Cultural Board
● Sara Joannides, Director of Social Responsibility, New Seasons
● Jenny Kim, Founder and Past President, Korean American Coalition
● Roy Kim, President, Central Bethany Development; Vision Action Network Board
● Roberto Rios, Operations Director, Centro Cultural de Washington County
● Nathan Teske, Executive Director, Bienestar
● John Trinh, Chief Executive Officer, Luke-Dorf

Quotes from steering committee members:

“With five stores in Washington County, New Seasons partners with many of the region’s nonprofits that make our communities whole. We are eager to help find ways to strengthen this important sector.” – Sarah Joannides, Director of Social Responsibility, New Seasons

“As much as funders would like to see more strategic collaboration among organizations, many nonprofits do not have the time or the resources to do collective work. I applaud Washington County Nonprofit Network for their vision in bringing together a diverse collaboration of leaders to help plan a road map for the future.” – John Trinh, Chief Executive Officer, Luke-Dorf

“We are thrilled to be at the table addressing critical issues in Washington County with other dynamic community leaders who care about the needs of the nonprofit sector. It is critical that we continue to work together to build upon our successes.” – Mychal Cherry, Executive Director, Spirit Mountain Community Fund

“Addressing the needs of our community requires a strong nonprofit service sector working in partnership with public, private, and faith-based organizations. This strategic planning effort will further that important goal.” – Robert Davis, Administrator, Washington County

“It is an exciting opportunity to work with community leaders to develop Washington County Nonprofit Network’s strategies. Assisting our community organizations in coming together makes the mission of each of our organizations more powerful and impactful for our diverse community.” – Roberto Rios, Operations Director, Centro Cultural de Washington County

VAN has retained the national consulting firm Bruner Strategies to facilitate the nine-month strategic planning process.

VAN’s mission is to connect stakeholders across sectors to identify and address critical issues in Washington County. For more information: www.visionactionnetwork.org.