Impact NW Board names Ada Dortch as Interim Executive Director

Impact NW has named Ada Dortch, a long-time staff director, as Interim Executive Director to replace Andy Nelson, who is stepping down as Executive Director this month for a new role.

“Ada has established herself as a trusted and proven leader for Impact NW over the past 12 years,” said Demian Lucas, chair of the Board of Directors.

The Board’s Executive Committee, in naming Ada as Interim, expressed their confidence in her ability to provide strong leadership amid this transition. Ada has served as Director of Development & Advocacy since 2018 and previously worked as a Grants Director at Impact NW. She has served on the organization’s staff leadership team for seven years. Ada has a background in human rights and serves on the Board of Directors of the Portland Housing Center.

“Ada has been integral to Impact NW’s remarkable growth and evolution over the past few years as Impact NW has transformed itself into the largest nonprofit organization in the Portland metro region dedicated to preventing homelessness,” said Demian.

“The Board also thanks Andy for his leadership over the past nine years as he leaves to become CEO of Ride Connection, an organization that Impact NW has partnered with for more than 20 years,” Demian said.

Under Andy’s leadership, Impact NW has increased the number of people served by 75% and the budget by 50%. More than that, he made sure that Impact NW walked the talk with its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. More than half of the people served by Impact NW now identify as BIPOC, as does the staff and Board.

Ada will serve as Interim Executive Director from Feb. 17 until the Board names a permanent Executive Director later this year.