Joel Madsen, Board Chair, Neighborhood Partnerships
Neighborhood Partnerships is excited to announce that Carlos Garcia will become executive director, effective September 8.
Carlos has served as NP’s Director of Economic Opportunity since 2018. In addition to overseeing the Oregon IDA initiative, he works with local, regional, and national partners to support movements and create policies that advance economic justice. Prior to coming to Neighborhood Partnerships, Carlos worked for almost six years at Hacienda Community Development, leading their home ownership and financial opportunity programs. He has also worked as a financial counselor and default intervention counselor, and he has an impressive track record of cultivating innovation, ensuring accountability, and centering equity and racial justice in his work.
Carlos enthusiastically accepted this position, sharing a bit about why he is so passionate about economic and racial justice: “From my earliest years, I remember my mother organizing coworkers against the racism and unfair treatment she and others suffered in the fields and agriculture warehouses. At the same time, I constantly saw acts of service in action as my family helped other immigrant families in need, whether it was helping to translate or providing shelter and a warm meal. ”
Elena Fracchia, NP’s Board Secretary and the Chair of the Executive Director Recruitment Committee, oversaw an extensive, national search process. “I couldn’t be more proud of our recruitment team, which consisted of two board and four staff members. Our process centered equity and race, and our deliberations were among some of the most thoughtful recruitment discussions I’ve been a part of. I also couldn’t be more proud of or more excited for the outcome.”
Janet Byrd is leaving the organization after more than 15 years. “NP has always been an organization that evolved to meet the needs of our partners and community. Carlos is the leader that NP needs as the evolution continues. His combination of passion, skill, commitment to collaboration and inclusive decision making, and unwavering focus on equitable and just outcomes will position NP to be a strong partner and leader in the work ahead. I am excited for the future of NP.”
“As a board, we have so much gratitude for all Janet has done to advance our mission. And we also are incredibly excited about what’s next for Neighborhood Partnerships with Carlos as our Executive Director,” said Joel Madsen, who serves as chair.
In thinking about NP’s future, Carlos reflected, “My experience has shown me that although these structural issues can be overwhelming, we have the solutions, tools and resources to address them. We must respond differently in order to achieve a different outcome. By genuinely centering those most impacted, we will find sustainable solutions to our biggest issues. I stand committed to utilizing my skills of building community and movement needed to collectively advance ideas into action. Together, we can create an Oregon where outcomes are not predictable based on someone’s race and we all have the resources and stability to reach our full potential.”
Janet will continue to serve as Executive Director through the transition. Keep an eye out for information about our plans to honor Janet’s work, formally welcome Carlos into this new position, and celebrate our collective work to advance economic justice for all Oregonians!
With anticipation and in solidarity for racial and economic justice,
Joel Madsen, Chair of Board
On behalf of the Board and Staff of Neighborhood Partnerships