This content was published: March 24, 2017. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC Foundation board continues its growth with slate of new directors added
Photos and story by Kate Chester
The development of Portland Community College’s Foundation Board of Directors continues with the addition of several new members over the past few months, bringing the total number of directors to 22.
“Our newest members bring added talent and energy to an already stellar Foundation board, in addition to expertise that will benefit the college overall,” said Rob Wagner, associate vice president of the College Advancement Office and executive officer for PCC’s Foundation board.
“They come from different walks of life and represent a diversity of professional and personal experiences. I’m thrilled to have them on our team, lending their voices as part of PCC’s ongoing evolution to best serve its students,” said Wagner.
Following are the PCC Foundation’s newest board members. Each serves for a three-year term.
Tony Erickson
He serves as chief operating officer for Oregon Aero Inc., where he manages the company’s daily operations. For the past 24 years he has worked with the Scappoose-based manufacturing company, which designs advanced comfort and safety systems for the aviation industry, law enforcement and the military. Most recently, Erickson was the company’s vice president of Research & Development, and prior to this role he had served in a variety of management positions for the company’s Research & Development, Seat, and Helmet Systems departments. In addition to representing Columbia County on the Foundation board, he is the co-chair of PCC’s Future Connect program in the county and chair of the Workforce Investment Board for northwest Oregon.
John Gardner
Gardner is the director of TriMet’s Diversity and Transit Equity department and brings more than 15 years of experience in the areas of equity, community engagement, education, employment and diversity to the organization. In his role Gardner is responsible for directing the agency’s equity work related to service, fares, community outreach, contracting, apprenticeship/workforce training, civil rights and Title VI analysis and compliance. Additionally, he partners with the agency’s Transit Equity Advisory Committee, as well as staff across TriMet to expand agency-wide diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Prior to TriMet, he was the director of Business Services for Worksystems Inc., the regional workforce development board for Washington and Multnomah Counties and the City of Portland. Gardner currently serves as a member of the State of Oregon Apprenticeship Council, which is dedicated to improving the representation of women and people of color in the construction trades. Over the years he has devoted time to such organizations as Boys & Girls Aid Society, Youth Employment Institute, Schools Uniting Neighborhoods Initiative, and the Urban League of Portland. Gardner earned his bachelor’s degree from Concordia University and holds certificates in diversity training and project management.
Jennifer Monnig
She is a 16-year veteran of Intel, where she works in the Talent Organization division, driving experience and systems integration and defining customer, partner and employee experiences and associated tools to optimize consistency. Prior to her current role, she led the Work Practice Innovations team, focused on creating transformative change in the ways Intel works around the world. Previous positions include Deputy Chief of Staff for the senior vice president and chief Human Resources officer and as the lead of Intel’s Talent Intelligence & Analytics division. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Albion College, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. For the past 14 years, Monnig has been the head sprint coach at Century High School.
Kim Morgan
Morgan is the director of Business Development and Partnerships at Nike where she executes partnership strategies with Nike Innovation. Prior to this she was a venture capitalist for Motorola. A native of Oregon, Morgan is a decorated Naval combat helicopter pilot and flight instructor responsible for the leadership of training and combat missions in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Desert Fox. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from the University of Notre Dame, followed by a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of West Florida. Morgan is an avid triathlete and recently completed the Coeur D’Alene Half Ironman.
Thach Nguyen
He is a recently retired Probation Services Senior Manager for the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice, Juvenile Division, where he worked to reduce incarceration for minority youth. Nguyen’s personal story reflects the strength of his character in the midst of great challenges – and helps explain his desire to “pay it forward.” He escaped to the United States after the fall of Saigon, eventually arriving to Portland. He took classes at PCC, continued on to Portland State University, and within five years had earned his master’s degree in Public Administration. Nguyen is an active member of Portland’s greater community: He co-founded the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon and the Asian Family Center, is a board member of APANO, served for several years as president of the International Refugee Community Board of Directors, and remains active with the ACLU. For his efforts and dedication, Nguyen is the recipient of several awards. In 2010 he was honored with the Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee’s Sy Award for life-long commitment to justice, access, and equality for underserved and underrepresented citizens in Multnomah County. He was recognized as a “Freedom Fighter” by Roosevelt High School, and last year received the APANO Outstanding Advocacy and Empowered for Equity Award.