City of Portland, OR

06/04/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/04/2025 12:43

Lisa Abuaf Nominated to Serve as Prosper Portland’s Interim Executive Director

News Article
If approved, Abuaf will lead Portland's economic development agency until a new executive director joins Prosper Portland later this year.
Published
June 4, 2025 10:50 am

The Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners announced that Lisa Abuaf, Prosper Portland's Director of Development & Investment, has been nominated to replace Shea Flaherty Betin as interim executive director for the City's economic development agency. Flaherty Betin announced today that he is stepping down from the interim post after serving in the role for eight months.

"Lisa has been championing economic and real estate development in Portland for more than 15 years, and I know she will head this agency with steady leadership and compassion in our transition to Prosper Portland's executive director," said Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners Chair Gustavo Cruz. The board will vote Fridayto approve Abuaf'sappointment.

Abuaf, who first joined Prosper Portland in 2004, takes the reins as the Cityfinalizes its long-term executive director search. The new executive director is anticipated to join the organization this summer. Prosper Portland's executive director leads the agency at the direction of the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners, with input from City leadership.

"We are grateful to Shea for his leadership and the wealth of experience he brought to Prosper and specifically during this time of transition for this critical agency," said Deputy City Administrator for Community & Economic Development Donnie Oliveira. "I look forward to continuing to work with Lisa in her new role and with the Board of Commissioners as we prepare for Prosper's next chapter."

Prosper Portland is the City's economic and urban development agency. It focuses on building an equitable economy by growing family-wage jobs, advancing opportunities for prosperity for small businesses and historically underserved communities, collaborating with partners for an equitable city, and creating vibrant neighborhoods and communities. Prosper Portland invests financial and human capital to serve the city and its residents.

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