We have an important announcement to share regarding Verde’s Executive Director, Candace Avalos

October, 2023

Candace has been a driving force behind Verde's unwavering commitment to positive change and community leadership. Her dedication and passion for our mission have been instrumental in the success of our organization. In line with her dedication to making a difference, Candace has made the decision to run for public office. She is a candidate for Portland City Council District 1 while she remains in her leadership role at Verde. Her vision for a stronger East Portland and the city as a whole is fueled by her love for the community and her belief in its potential.

We understand that you may have questions about the impact of this decision on our organization, and we are committed to a smooth and transparent transition if Candace were to win this race.

What this means for Verde

City council is a full-time job, and therefore Candace would have to leave her role at Verde in December of 2024, if she were to win. If Candace is not successful in her race, she intends to continue in her leadership role at Verde. Over the next year Candace will be very intentional about the hats she wears as she navigates a public campaign alongside her equally public representation of our work to our partners, community, and funders.

Regardless of the outcome of Candace’s race, Verde is in the process of creating a comprehensive transition plan to ensure the organization continues to thrive during this period. A clear plan for a possible transition is being created by the executive leadership and Verde’s board to ensure our mission and goals will be protected and maintained if a transition occurs.

Verde's commitment to environmental and climate initiatives remains steadfast. We understand the importance of these initiatives and their impact on our community. While we prepare for a potential transition, Verde will continue to pursue its environmental and climate goals.

We appreciate your ongoing support and understanding. If you have any specific questions or concerns that have not been addressed in this announcement, please feel free to reach out to us directly at info@verdenw.org.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Verde community, and we look forward to your continued partnership as we work together to create a greener future for Portland and beyond.