Financial Investment Executive Rukaiyah Adams is the newest member of the Port of Portland Commission, filling the vacancy left by the commission’s termed-out vice president, Michael Alexander, the port said June 12.
The announcement comes after the Oregon Senate Rules Committee approved Gov. Tina Kotek’s appointment of Adams to the commission May 29.
Adams is the CEO of the 1803 Fund, which aims to enhance financial and other investments in community organizations. Before leading the 1803 Fund in January, she served as chief investment officer at Meyer Memorial Trust, one of the biggest charitable trusts in the Pacific Northwest, according to the port. Previously to that, Adams oversaw the $6.5 billion capital markets fund at insurance company The Standard.
She also served as chair of the Oregon Investment Council from 2017 to 2020. She is on the board of Oregon Public Broadcasting, where she serves as chair, plus serves on the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
“I’m thrilled that Rukaiyah is joining the port’s board of commissioners,” port Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said. “She’s a big-picture thinker who brings best-in-class finance and community development expertise to the challenges and opportunities facing both the port and our region in the years ahead.”
