Impact NW names Andy Nelson as new Executive Director

March 20, 2019

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I am pleased to announce that the Impact NW Board of Directors has appointed Andy Nelson as its new Executive Director. Andy, who has served as Associate Director since 2016, starts April 1 as part of a well-planned leadership transition that follows the Board’s recent adoption of a new vision and strategic plan.

Jeff Cogen, Executive Director since July 1, 2016, has been working with Andy over the past two years to make this transition possible. The Board hired Jeff to stabilize Impact NW’s finances, reinvigorate the organization and create a plan for the future. With all these goals accomplished, Impact NW is well positioned for the future. We are grateful to Jeff for his leadership and service. 

Andy brings the passion, experience and skill set we need to refocus Impact NW on its new strategic direction. The Board in November endorsed a new strategic direction that positions Impact NW as a regional force for keeping people housed and preventing homelessness. Serving 26,000 people a year, the 53-year-old nonprofit will both stabilize and strengthen families and individuals of all ages. The $12 million private nonprofit will focus on rent assistance and other supports to keep people housed. It will also expand connections to jobs and life skills that help people build their resilience and realize their goals of safe, stable housing.

Andy also brings a long affiliation with Impact NW, serving as its first Development Director from 2000 to 2002. After rejoining Impact NW as Associate Director in 2016, he served as Interim Executive Director from July 2017 to March 2018 and recently led the strategic planning process.

Prior to Andy joining Impact NW, he previously led Hands On Greater Portland from 2002 to 2012, growing the start-up to become one of the nation’s leading volunteer service organizations. When Andy was CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest from 2012 to 2016, the mentoring organization won recognition as Oregon’s Most Admired Nonprofit. In the community, Andy is former chair of the Portland Parks Board and Partners in Diversity. 

I am looking forward to seeing Impact NW focus and grow under Andy’s leadership as we accelerate our efforts to confront our region’s housing crisis. 

Barry Hendrix

Chair, Board of Directors