Portland City Club Names Mike Marshall New Executive Director

Monday, May 04, 2015

Byron Beck, GoLocalPDX Features Editor

Mike Marshall

Mike Marshall is the new Executive Director of Portland's City Club

City Club of Portland has hired Mike Marshall as its new Executive Director. Marshall is stepping into the shoes that were vacated earlier this year by former Mayor Sam Adams who left Oregon to work at a new job based in Washington D.C. Marshall will replace Greg Wallinger who has been serving as an Interim Executive Director since Adams' leaving.

Marshall brings 30 years of experience—both here and abroad—in building and leading organizations and campaigns to his new job. Most recently, Marshall served as campaign manager for Governor John Kitzhaber’s re-election campaign. Prior to that, he led the Oregon United for Marriage and Oregon United Against Discrimination campaigns.

“The Board of Governors chose Mike because he has the right set of fundraising, strategic planning and advocacy skills to take City Club of Portland to a new level of success on the eve of our Centennial celebration,” said Karen Kervin, City Club President.

According to City Club, Marshall was selected following an extensive four-month search process conducted by a committee of City Club members led by City Club’s Secretary, David Quisenberry. The search attracted 58 applicants from across the United States.

City Club of Portland's mission is to bring together civic-minded people to make Portland and Oregon better places to live, work and play.

“I’m humbled and honored to take the helm of the City Club. I relish the opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to promoting the competition of ideas and the development of definitive solutions. It’s my hope that, as the news media retreats from providing substantive information about critical issues, that City Club’s diverse members have the ability to increase the reach of their powerful research and advocacy efforts. I’m excited to work with the staff and volunteers to deepen the impact of this 99 year old institution,” said Marshall.

In 1999, Marshall led the opposition to California’s Prop 22, the first anti-gay ballot initiative in the emerging battle for marriage equality. In 2000, OUT Magazine identified Marshall as one of the top 100 most influential gay Americans. In subsequent years Marshall led campaigns for change, fighting HIV/AIDS, and supporting safe schools, urban greening and environmental restoration.

Marshall is taking over as Executive Director effective immediately.