The Metro Council unanimously approved the reappointments of four members of its Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission, a regional board that provides expertise, governance and policy direction to the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Expo Center and Portland'5 Centers for the Arts.
Reappointed for second terms are Terry Goldman, Judie Hammerstad, Cynthia Haruyama and Karis Stoudamire-Phillips. Originally appointed in 2009 and 2010 through nominations by Washington County, Clackamas County and Metro, the group was praised for applying their breadth of experience in the region's business, political and non-profit sectors to the management of Metro's visitor venues.
"The region has been well-served by each of these individuals, who have imparted wisdom, energy, ideas and advocacy for our business and arts venues," said Metro Council President Tom Hughes.
"From championing the convention center hotel project, to planning for the Expo Center's long-term viability and supporting our community arts organizations, commissioners bring a unique private sector perspective to these publicly-owned and managed facilities," he added.
Terry Goldman is a leader in the tourism and hospitality industries who has managed various hotels throughout the metropolitan area and served as president and CEO of the Washington County Visitors' Association. He is the hotel manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton in Portland.
Serving in a variety of elected positions for over thirty years, including Lake Oswego mayor and Clackamas County commissioner, Judie Hammerstad is the current MERC board chair.
Cynthia Haruyama is deputy director of Portland's Japanese Garden. She previously served as executive director of Lan Su Chinese Garden and, prior to that, led the Hoyt Arboretum Friends Foundation.
Karis Stoudamire-Phillips works at Moda Health as its corporate responsibility and community relations manager and previously administered the Damon Stoudamire, Inc. Foundation. She has vast experience serving on nonprofit boards and commissions, including the YWCA, Children's Cancer Association, Schoolhouse Supplies, American Red Cross and Portland Development Commission's Neighborhood Economic Development Leadership Group.
Commissioners serve four-year terms and are nominated by the Boards of Commission in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, the Portland City Council and the Metro Council. MERC meets on the first Wednesday of each month at rotating venue locations.