Ebb and Flow: New leadership for energy nonprofits


A weekly list of new hires, fires and promotions, as well as biz openings and closings:

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Revolving Door

The Northwest Environmental Business Council has appointed Lise Wineland as its new executive director. Wineland was brought on after long-time director Robert Grott announced his resignation last December. Wineland brings a background in holistic strategies and commercial leasing to the nonprofit trade association. She described the opportunities in this new role as “endless.” 

The Energy Trust also has a new leader: Michael Colgrove, formerly of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, will replace longtime Energy Trust of Oregon chief Margie Harris.

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The new Cowlitz Project, a $500 million casino in La Center, has hired Chief Financial Officer Erik Palmer and Assistant General Manager James Dougherty. The casino should open next year, guided by these new hires. Palmer has worked in the casino-opening business for 20 years, assisting in the opening of Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi, and the Seneca Gaming properties in Western New York. Dougherty has 30 years under his belt in the gaming industry, also on the East Coast, working for the Sands and Foxwoods Resort.

Portland Art Museum Director Brian Ferriso will serve a one-year term as President if the Association of Art Museum Directors. Ferriso has served PAM since 2006, implementing a new focus structure to keep the museum afloat. It’s hoped he will bring his art, access, and accountability vision to the AAMD, shuffling the organization into the future.

Retail, restaurant and other biz openings and closings

Portland diners need not fear, Veritable Quandary has found a new home — just three blocks away. Owner Dennis King announced in February VQ would vacate its site at SW First Ave. and SW Jefferson St. to make way for the new Multnomah County $290 million courthouse. The restaurant will take residence at the 2&Taylor building, sharing the space with one of Portland’s fastest growing companies, Jama Software.

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Umai, a ramen food cart in Southeast Portland, announced its closure as of June 18. The popular cart has received multiple accolades since it opened in 2014, but owners Forest Carter and Austin Moore, also bluegrass musicians, said in their Facebook announcement the pair must step away to pursue other interests.