Leadership

Board of Directors

Michael Alexander, Board President
Michael Alexander

Chair
President and CEO / Urban League of Portland (retired)

Cobi Lewis

Vice President
Executive Director / Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon

Carla Kelley

Recording Secretary
General Counsel / Port of Portland (retired)

Damian Crowder

Treasurer & Finance and Fundraising Committee Chair Economic Development Strategy Manager / Port of Portland

Patti Miles

Property Development Committee Chair Project Manager / Walsh Construction

Tamara Brown

Property Development Committee
VP & Relationship Banking Officer / Heritage Bank- Portland Office

Tamara Kennedy

Commercial Strategy Manager, Port of Portland / Principal, Kennedy-Hill Strategies

Tia B. Coachman, MBA, SHRM-SCP

Governance Committee Chair
Principal / Affirm Consultancy

Vince Porter

Board Member At-Large
Program & Evaluation Committee Chair Economic Development & Workforce Policy Advisor / Office of Governor Tina Kotek

Leadership & Staff

Dr.-A-PDX-Biz_1024x1024
Dr. LM Alaiyo Foster

President & CEO

Curtrina (Trina) Huff

Finance Director

Saeeda Wright

Post-Secondary Options Director

Rontisha Davis

Board Liaison & Executive Office Assistant

Melissa Slanetz

Community Giving & Volunteer Services Manager

Emmanuel Williams

Community Justice & Equity Manager

Chuvalo Boyd

Resident Videographer

Delessa McDuffy

Finance Administrative Assistant

Lozelle Mathai

Chief Finance Officer

Michael Alexander, Board President

Michael Alexander

Board President

President and CEO
Urban League of Portland (Retired)

LM ALAIYO "DR. A" FOSTER, ED.D., NCC, QMHP, CCHW

PRESIDENT & CEO

Pronouns: she/they

Philanthropic Alignment | Asset Management | Education Programs Advocacy | Strategic Direction | Community Relations

 

Why she loves the Black United Fund:

I get to do what I love for a living! I love the mission and vision of the Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF). At BUF, we believe education is a catalyst of change; with resources, support, and opportunity, together we can break generational cycles and instead, introduce and reinforce generational thriving. At BUF, we believe we (our collective community) are the change we’ve been waiting for. At BUF, we’re here to serve. #staytuned2BUF represents all that we can conceive and bring forth in our community.

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How she advances the mission of the Black United Fund: 

After more than four years in my role, I can still say, “I love being a part of THIS”! I love that this work is a calling, not just a job and my job is also my passion. I get to steward community change daily! Plus, I’m a member of a downright amazing team committed to (my/the) vision… How cool!?! Public service has always been personally fulfilling, holding rewards of its own; I believe real-world experience allows for relationship building and furthering of my community. My life’s work as a community leader, change agent, and Adjunct Professor allows me to serve the community with passion and intention in my own unique style.

“The measure of a woman’s character is not what she gets from her ancestors but what she leaves her descendants.” – unknown

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What you won’t find on her resume:

As serious as I am about my profession, I’m equally silly with my friends. I believe in working hard, and playing harder. I was born and raised in PNW with deep southern familial connections. If you’re nice to me, I might invite you to the office to see my unicorn collection. ;)

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Email me at alaiyo@bufor.org.

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