Congratulations, Candace! Our Transition Plan

By Desiree Williams-Rajee; Chair, Verde Board of Directors | November, 2024

With immense pride, I share the news of Candace’s election to Portland City Council, representing District 1. This victory reflects her unwavering dedication to community, equity, and environmental justice—principles she has lived and breathed throughout her time at Verde. As board chair, I’ve seen firsthand how Candace’s leadership has transformed our organization and the communities we serve. Her commitment to building environmental wealth for BIPOC and low-income communities has elevated Verde’s impact and empowered those most affected by climate injustice. Candace’s work has been a testament to the power of community-based leadership.

Since Candace joined us in 2021, she has profoundly shaped Verde and the Cully community, leaving a lasting impact extending far beyond our organization. She helped expand Verde’s capacity to achieve our mission, enhanced our brand and storytelling, and developed new partnerships to ensure financial stability. Key accomplishments include the following:

• Launching the PDX Community Solar program, an innovative initiative providing clean energy access to Cully residents.

  Introducing the first-of-its-kind Water Justice Leadership Institute, empowering local leaders to advocate for equitable water access and environmental stewardship.

  Expanding our Ductless Heat Pump program to reach more families and bring energy-efficient solutions to underserved communities.

  Helping to lead the creation of the Cully TIF district (tax incentive funding), a community-driven investment opportunity in the Cully Neighborhood with up to $300 million in new investments over 50 years.

  Defending the Portland Clean Energy Fund as it implemented its first-of-a-kind investment strategy in a green energy transition that centers BIPOC, low-income, and other historically marginalized communities.

  Creating a 501(c)4 called Verde Action, which will publicly launch in 2025. This will ensure Verde is in position to advocate not just for the policies that are vital to our work, but the people who are making those decisions.

While we will deeply miss Candace at Verde, we are thrilled that she will continue to drive positive and impactful change in her new role representing East Portland on City Council. This is a critical platform for her coming at a critical time--strong and visionary governing leadership at the intersection of environment, justice, and economic prosperity is needed more than ever. 

Candace will continue at Verde until Dec 6, when Blythe Garma, Verde’s Deputy Director, will take over as the Interim Executive Director. Consultant Paula Manley will help with the recruitment of Verde’s next Executive Director, as she has for Verde’s previous two successful executive transitions. Verde’s mission remains steadfast, and we are excited to welcome a new leader who will help us continue to amplify and strengthen our work to build environmental wealth and justice for our community.

We are deeply grateful for Candace’s contributions and for your unwavering support. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Interim Executive Director Blythe Garma at blythegarma@verdenw.org or Development Director Matthew Hushbeck at matthushbeck@verdenw.org.  

Thank you for being a valued part of our community as we take this next step in Verde’s journey together.

Warm regards,  

Desiree Williams-Rajee

Chair, Verde Board of Directors