Impact NW and YWCA Announce Evolving Partnership and New Leadership
Impact NW and the YWCA of Greater Portland, premier providers of educational and social services in the greater Portland metro area, are happy to announce expanded leadership and updates to their growing partnership.
Impact NW and the YWCA joined forces in 2014 by forming a shared management agreement to increase their expertise and effectiveness in improving lives for thousands of people in the Portland metro area. Today, the two nonprofit organizations are pleased to announce an expansion of their partnership with new leadership and collaboration.
Susan Stoltenberg, Impact NW former Executive Director
“It is with great excitement that we announce expanded leadership within these two organizations as we continue to grow and address the increasing need of residents of the region,” said Susan I. Stoltenberg, who has served as Executive Director of both organizations since January 2014. Effective July 1, 2016, Stoltenberg transitioned to become the Executive Director of the YWCA of Greater Portland. Impact NW’s Managing Director, Jeff Cogen, now serves as the Executive Director of Impact NW.
Over the past two years, the YWCA of Greater Portland has experienced significant growth in its operating budget (an increase of $3 million), programs, and the number of people it serves. With continued emphasis on empowering women and eliminating racism, the YWCA has expanded and established new programs, including working with incarcerated mothers to stop the intergenerational cycle of criminal activity in their families and re-establish bonds with their children; expanded domestic violence services aimed at increasing the safety, economic security, and housing stability of survivors; and high quality social justice training programs.
Jeff Cogen, Impact NW Executive Director
Impact NW’s scope and effectiveness of addressing the needs of our region’s most vulnerable populations continues to adapt with the ever changing socio-economic environment of the Portland metro region. New programs have been established to address economic security for young adults; housing for veterans and families; and the development and education of our youngest residents–all with the goal of ending the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
The Board of Directors has provided oversight to both organizations since their partnership began and will continue to govern both organizations. It plans further alignment among the two organizations, with combined budgets of $14 million and service to more than 40,000 people in the Portland-Vancouver region.
“By joining forces, we have helped Impact NW and the YWCA evolve and improve their effectiveness,” said Bob McCarthy, chair of the Board of Directors for both organizations. “Now, we look forward to strengthening our leadership as we focus on our continued effectiveness and sustainability towards serving our community.”
Impact NW has further increased its leadership by naming Andy Nelson, former CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, as Associate Director. Nelson previously served as Executive Director of Hands On Greater Portland. Alexis Packard, who served as Development Director for both organizations, has transitioned to become the Development Director of the YWCA of Greater Portland. Packard joined Impact NW and the YWCA in 2015 and previously served as Development Director for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Portland Council.
‘What we are doing is innovative and unique,” said Cogen. “Our combined effectiveness gives us more firepower to provide needed services and programs.”
Susan Stoltenberg is a recognized leader in the Portland community, having served as executive director of many agencies over the past 40 years, including Cascade AIDS Project, Mt. Scott Park Center for Learning, The New Rose Theatre, and Open Adoption & Family Services. She has demonstrated successful leadership skills in non-profit organizational, financial and program development, education, marketing, advocacy, fundraising, and outreach. She is currently the co-chair of the Washington County Kids Fund, on the executive committee of Rockwood Pathways Project. Stoltenberg’s legacy of creatively stewarding organizations toward growth and greater mission fulfillment will serve the YWCA of Greater Portland and the many women, children and families well into the future.
Jeff Cogen is an attorney and entrepreneur as well as a seasoned community leader who served as Chief of Staff for City Commissioner Dan Saltzman before being elected as Multnomah County Commissioner and County Chairman. He served as board chair for the Portland Human Rights Commission, the Governor’s Transportation Electrification Commission and Hands On Greater Portland. His experience in operations and publicly funded organizations coupled with his passion in creating possibilities for all children and families will help take Impact NW through its next chapter.
About Impact NW
Impact NW is a premier provider of educational and social services in the greater Portland metro area. The organization’s mission is to help people prosper through a community of support. Since 1966, Impact NW has been a leader in providing individuals of all ages with the skills and resources necessary to achieve success and to advocate for themselves and their communities. Annually, over 36,000 low-income children, youth, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities participate in Impact NW’s comprehensive anti-poverty programs.
About the YWCA of Greater Portland
The YWCA of Greater Portland is the local affiliate of one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation. The organization has been an active part of the Portland community for over 110 years, providing services to women, children, and families, from all walks of life—regardless of their age, race, or income level. The YWCA of Greater Portland’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The YWCA’s services span five key areas: domestic violence services, incarcerated mothers and their children, senior services, social justice, and youth services.
