Get Involved: Join a committee

Our committees offer hands-on opportunities for members to actively engage in the work of supporting commerce, community and prosperity in our region. Advocacy committee participants will have the opportunity to review possible policy proposals for feedback and approval, hear presentations from key community partners on their policy priorities, meet with Portland Business Alliance community allies and stakeholders, and present their own policy ideas for consideration.

Want to sign-up for a committee?

1.) Login to your member account
2.) On left side, select “Personal Information” to manage your “Groups/interests”

A Place With No Ceiling Committee

Plans and executes annual event honoring women and companies breaking the glass ceiling. Meets annually.

Chair: Jessica Getman, Brown & Brown Insurance
Staff: Ashley Odil, Director, Events & Sponsorship

Email Ashley Odil

Central City Standing Committee

Consider public policy proposals related to downtown vibrancy, economic development and livability. Meets monthly. This committee informs our member-driven policy agenda.

Chair: Dan McMillan, The Standard
Staff: Amy Rathfelder, Director, Government Affairs

Email Amy Rathfelder

Downtown Retail Council

Supports the Downtown Retail Strategy and engages with elected leaders. Members must be downtown restaurateurs, hoteliers or retailers. Meets monthly.

Chair: Courtney Posey, Nordstrom
Staff: Sydney Mead, Director, Downtown Programs

Email Sydney Mead

Education and Career Readiness Committee

Examines public policy proposals related to all levels of education continuum, with a focus on K-12, CTE/STEM, post-secondary and workforce development. Meets monthly. This committee informs our member-driven policy agenda.

Chair: Craig Wilcox, Wells Fargo Advisors
Staff: Amy Rathfelder, Director, Government Affairs

Email Amy Rathfelder

Golf Scramble Committee

Plans and executes annual golf tournament, and helps coodinate raffle and silent auction. Meets annually.

Chair: TBD
Staff: Ashley Odil, Director, Events & Sponsorships

Email Ashley Odil

Land Use and Housing Committee

Reviews public policy proposals related to a broad range of local and regional land use and development issues. Meets monthly. This committee informs our member-driven policy agenda.

Chair: Tim Leavitt, OTAK
Staff: Amy Rathfelder, Director, Government Affairs

Email Amy Rathfelder

Marketing Communications Committee

Provides access to regional media, and serves as a space to share resources. Members should be communications professionals. Meets monthly.

Chair: Liz Fuller, Gard Communications
Staff: Amy Lewin, Vice President, Strategic Communications

Email Amy Lewin

President's Council

Act as new member mentors, assist in member retention and serve as Alliance ambassadors. Members must meet minimum requirement to participate. Meets monthly.

Chair: Alex Gosline, Pacific West Bank
Staff: Ashleen McGirk, Coordinator, Membership Relations Management

Email Ashleen McGirk

Public Safety Committee

Reviews public safety policies and programs that impact the Central City. Meets as needed.

Chair: TBD
Staff: Bill Sinnott, Director, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe

Email Bill Sinnott

Small Business Council

Serves as a forum for small business members to hear from and engage with government agencies regarding new programs and policies. Meets monthly. This committee informs our member-driven policy agenda.

Chair: Diane Economaki, Fuze7 Marketing
Staff: Ashleen McGirk, Coordinator, Membership Relations Management

Email Ashleen McGirk

Technology and Innovation Committee

Provide feedback on public policy proposals impacting the region’s thriving technology sector. Meets monthly. This committee informs our member-driven policy agenda.

Chair: Jennifer Stoll, OCHIN
Staff: Amy Rathfelder, Director, Government Affairs

Email Amy Rathfelder

Transportation Committee

Evaluate public policy proposals related to transportation topics including freight mobility, transit, infrastructure projects, policies and funding. Meets monthly. This committee informs our member-driven policy agenda.

Chair: Page Phillips Strickler, Strategies 360
Staff: Amy Rathfelder, Director, Government Affairs

Email Amy Rathfelder