On May 29, the Oregon Senate Rules Committee approved Governor Kotek’s appointment of Rukaiyah Adams to the Port of Portland Commission.
Since January 2023, Adams has served as chief executive officer of the 1803 Fund, which seeks to grow shared prosperity through the alignment of financial investments and investments in community-based organizations. Through August 2022, Adams was chief investment officer at Meyer Memorial Trust, one of the largest charitable trusts in the Pacific Northwest, and prior to that role, Adams ran the $6.5 billion capital markets fund at The Standard. Throughout her career, Adams has been leading the field of socially responsible investing.
"I’m thrilled that Rukaiyah is joining the Port’s board of commissioners,” said Curtis Robinhold, Port of Portland executive director. “She’s a big-picture thinker who brings best-in-class finance and community development expertise to the challenges and opportunities facing both the Port and our region in the years ahead."
From 2017 to 2020, Adams was chair of the Oregon Investment Council. She currently serves on the boards of the Albina Vision Trust, the Self Enhancement, Inc. Foundation, Oregon Health and Science University Foundation, and Oregon Public Broadcasting, where she is also the current chair. Admas also serves on the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College, a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
"I am honored to join the Port of Portland Commission,” said Rukaiyah Adams. “I look forward to sharing my expertise, networks and imagination to advance the Port's work in unlocking new opportunities for everyone."
Adams fills the vacancy left by Michael Alexander, Commission vice president. Other members of the Commission are Katy Coba, Commission president, Richelle Luther, Commission vice president; Ketan Sampat, Commission secretary; Katherine Lam, Commission treasurer; Mike DeVaughn; Sam Johnson; Meg Niemi; and Stuart Strader.
The nine-member Port Commission meets monthly. At least two commissioners must each live in one of the three counties in the Port district (Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties). The remaining members may live in any part of the state. Commissioners are unpaid volunteers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and can be reappointed for an additional term. Commission presidents are selected by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Commission appoints the Port's executive director.
###