The PDX Finance Leadership Forum is an invitation-only, quarterly gathering of finance leaders in the Portland area. The forum is led by an advisory board of local finance leaders who periodically meet to recommend topics and trends that are timely and relevant to today's CFO.

The 2026 PDX Finance Leadership Forum Advisory Board

Jenee Demski
Chief Financial Officer
Rogers Machinery
 
Valerie Doyon
Director of Finance
Hydra-Power Systems
 
Misha Goloborodko
Deputy Treasurer
NuScale Power
 
Olivia Kirrer
VP of Growth Finance and M&A
KinderCare Learning Companies
 
Andrew Lee
Chief Financial Officer
RealWear, Inc.
Ed Smith
Corporate Controller
Planar Systems
 
Paul Turnes
VP, Financial Planning & Analysis
Precision Castparts
 
Matt Whipple
Chief Financial Officer
Pendleton Woolen Mills

Past Events

December 4, 2024

4 to 6 pm

PacWest Center

Regional Economic Update

Portland and Oregon have lost population in recent years – a historical rarity. The losses come after the advent of remote work and a shift in local taxes and services. Is this an anomaly or the beginning of a longer trend?

    John Tapogna

    President Emeritus

    ECOnorthwest

    September 24, 2024

    8 to 10 am

    The Nines, Urban Farmer

    Operations, Technology, & Innovation Update

    What to expect from banking solutions in today’s environment

      June 5, 2024

      5 to 8 pm

      Amaterra Winery

      Modern Leadership That Builds Thriving Cultures

      In our disconnected, hybrid, multi-generational world of work, it’s harder than ever to build connections, establish trust and maintain a motivated, thriving workplace culture. Traditional tactics are falling flat. And the demands of the modern worker have changed.

      In this forum, we’ll explore the changing demands of leadership and tools to elevate your influence to motivate and inspire teams.

      • Understand the demands of the modern worker. 
      • Explore how to balance an authentic, vulnerable presence without undermining your credibility.
      • Gain tips to communicate your vision more powerfully, to truly connect with your team, build trust and gain buy-in, faster.

      Laura Fravel

      Founder, Spark & Inspire

      Executive Communications Coach

      March 21, 2024

      8 to 10 am

      Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

      Portland Metro Area State of the Economy

      An update and discussion of The Portland Metro Area State of the Economy report presented by Andrew Hoan, President and CEO of The Portland Metro Chamber. The annual report examines Portland metro’s economy and takes a deep dive into the changing population and migration of people and businesses within the region. 

      Andrew Hoan

      President & CEO, Portland Metro Chamber and Portland Business Alliance