SVP Portland 2025 Superstars!

Every year, SVP Portland recognizes a handful of Investor Partners who have stepped up, hyped up, leaned in, put their shoulders to the wheel …and somehow made it all look easy. They raised their hands (often more than once), asked the thoughtful questions, did the unglamorous work, and showed up when it mattered most. In short, they embodied the best of SVP Portland—generous with their resources, sharp with their thinking, and always ready to move the work forward together. This year's Superstars are:

Abby infused SVP Portland’s 2025 marketing plan with creativity and enthusiasm, elevating our social media storytelling and strengthening our PR presence. Thank you for your contributions, Abby!

- Merlin Kister, SVP Marketing Consultant

Bill is the epitome of a mountain mover! Since joining, he's tackled complex projects and kept them moving forward. He was key to completing our Volunteers Initiative, planning Building Together, launching Data Governance, and contributing thoughtful insights as part of the Portfolio Management Team. He consistently shows up enthusiastic, collaborative, and committed. Thank you for your dedication, Bill!

-Jenn Luevano-Brummett, SVP Community Impact Program Manager

Bob in three words: vision, drive, gentleman. Throughout his time serving on the Board, he consistently advocated for meaningful progress, challenging the status quo with the goal to move SVP forward. Bob never settles for just "okay," but always communicates that expectation with kindness and clarity. A truly outstanding Board Chair! Thank you for your leadership and commitment, Bob.

-Larry Fox, SVP Board Member

Chris has stepped up in so many ways this year - facilitating Real Estate sessions for Ready to Grow, providing expert guidance to Community Partners and Lead Partners, and sharing industry perspective at Building Together. Like Tom Hanks, he has appeared in everything that is good at SVP! We appreciate everything you do, Chris. Thank you!

-Jenn Luevano-Brummett, SVP Community Impact Program Manager

Doug is not only an active Board member, but he also leads the Finance Committee, participates in task forces, and served as a facilitator in our Ready to Grow program this year. Across all these different areas, he shares valuable insights while listening thoughtfully to others, fostering inclusion and strong outcomes. Working with Doug is a pleasure, and we're fortunate to have him as an SVP Partner. Thank you for all you do, Doug!

-Rob Aslett, SVP Board Chair

You don't come across curiosity and humility like Ed's very often in life. Ed has supported SVP as a Ready to Grow evaluator and stepped up to be a Lead Partner to two early start-up organizations this year. His commitment to understanding challenges from all angles and his openness to new perspectives make him the perfect embodiment of the Avid Learner award. Thank you for inspiring us all, Ed!

-Carolina Castañeda del Río, SVP Director of Community Impact

Elaine's contributions were as impactful as she was humble. She began with the Volunteers Initiative team, drawing on her experience as both a preschool provider and in nonprofit fundraising, and later joined the Community Action team and supported the Childcare Facilities Initiative work. In her final year, she chaired the Portfolio Management Team (PMT). Elaine remained committed to our mission through her last months, facilitating PMT meetings with steady expertise and grace. Her legacy lives on in the work she championed and the community she helped strengthen. SVP is better because of her, and we will carry her spirit forward.

-Carolina Castañeda del Río, SVP Director of Community Impact

Feargal deserves this award because he cares deeply about this work and doesn't accept the status quo. As a Ready to Grow facilitator and through his work with CAIRO, he has brought expert knowledge and high standards that elevate everyone around him. Feargal always shows up as his best self, creating an environment of strong relationships and high impact. Congratulations, Feargal, and thank you!

-Lea Ann Grannum, SVP Investor Partner

Lea Ann is one of those Partners we can't imagine being without. Always ready to say yes, she's generative in her inputs, gracious in her contributions, and highly collaborative. During 2025, Lea Ann has worked in her area of deep expertise, improving team and organizational effectiveness across multiple projects, while also being the "hostess with the mostess" for the Summer Social. Thank you for all you bring to SVP, Lea Ann!

-Ursula Garcia, SVP Director of Resource Development

Marty has been a superstar business plan development coach for Ready to Grow, diving right in with deep expertise, yet maintaining a humble, helpful and committed presence. He turned a deliverable that was intimidating for many participants into an insightful milestone for their expansion. I attribute this to Marty's willingness to jump in, his patience, persistence and reliable support. Thank you for making such a difference, Marty!

-Jenn Luevano-Brummett, SVP Community Impact Program Manager

Roxanne has shown up for our community in so many ways! As a leader on the Data Governance project and a Ready to Grow facilitator, she has brought skilled, collaborative, and creative approaches to everything she's done. Roxanne has invested tremendous time and energy into SVP, always willing to help and championing our work. Your contributions have made a real difference. Thank you, Roxanne!

-Polly Luttrell, SVP Development & Events Coordinator

Shannon radiates joy and generosity, and has inspired many others to do the same by matching donations to a new Partner Sponsorship Fund. As a philanthropist, Shannon exemplifies curiosity, humility, learning and meaningful collaboration in order to catalyze broader impact through her giving. Thank you for investing in SVP's future, Shannon!

-Lauren Johnson, SVP Executive Director