Prosper Portland selects Alabama economic development official as next leader

A senior economic development officer from Birmingham, Alabama, has been appointed as the new executive director of Prosper Portland.

After a difficult budget season and the publication of offensive internal communications among agency employees, which led to the departure of its interim executive director, Cornell Wesley would take over as head of Portland’s economic development agency as it attempts to regain its footing. Prosperity On July 9, the Portland board of commissioners is scheduled to have a public vote about Wesley’s appointment.

Wesley told The Oregonian/OregonLive over the phone that he had taken the position in Portland, where his wife was born and reared.

In general, Wesley stated that we are constantly thrilled about fresh challenges and chances to make an impact. I’m passionate about this field of employment.

After the news was originally published Friday evening by The Oregonian/OregonLive, Mayor Keith Wilson and Prosper leadership confirmed the Wesley selection. Wesley would begin work in August if approved by the Prosper board, according to an agency official.

In a message to the reporters, Wilson said, “I am excited to start working with Cornell.” I have no doubt that he provides Portland with the knowledge and perspective it needs right now. By banding together, we can boost our economy and bring Portland’s economy back to life.

Wesley is the director of the Birmingham Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, which employs roughly a dozen people and whose work mostly supports Prosper’s real estate management and business retention goals.

He has experience in both the public and private sectors, including banking and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

We are thrilled that Cornell has joined Prosper Portland and look forward to the enthusiasm, insight, and experience he will contribute to the organization and our community. In a statement, Prosper Board Chair Gustavo Cruz said. He will undoubtedly keep accelerating the progress we are witnessing on projects across the city, in my opinion.

In May, interim Executive Director Shea Flaherty Betin urged agency supporters to oppose a proposal by City Council members Mitch Green and Jamie Dunphy to deprive Prosper of a $11 million budget allocation, claiming it would severely impair Prosper’s long-term program funding.

Copies of the communications showed that Prosper personnel blasted the City Council in an agency-wide Teams chat when the plan was put to a vote at a budget meeting later that month.

As a result of those texts, the mayor asked Flaherty Betin to resign from his position as Prosper’s leader. Flaherty Betin chose to quit the organization entirely, receiving $213,000 in severance pay.

Early in June, Prosper’s five-member board of commissioners decided to appoint Lisa Abuaf, an agency veteran, as the new interim executive director until the summer, when the permanent leader—whose identity was kept a secret at the time—would take over. Kimberly Branam, the agency’s final permanent director, left in September to take a position at the Port of Portland.

In an emailed statement, Wesley said, “I am excited to be joining Prosper Portland at such a pivotal time for the city.” Working with a group of executives and employees who are so devoted to achieving inclusive economic growth for all Portlanders excites me.