Greater Portland Inc has officially hired Monique Claiborne as their new president and CEO. Greater Portland Inc (GPI) provides support and services to companies seeking to relocate or expand in Greater Portland. Claiborne will oversee the nonprofit public-private partnership, which advances regional economic development through job growth and investment in the seven-county, bi-state region. GPI partnered with Motus Recruiting in this executive search.
Claiborne will be bringing her expansive understanding and knowledge of the intricacies of the public and private sectors. Before joining GPI, Claiborne founded The Kenley Group, a Portland-based consulting firm that advised and strategized with nonprofits and municipalities nationwide. Additionally, Claiborne advised the City of Detroit on fiscal, economic, and administrative projects, and once served as their legislative operations chief financial officer.
Claiborne has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in international public policy from University College London. Her international experience will allow her to bring a global perspective to GPI’s initiatives to boost local foreign investment.
“I am looking forward to growing the organization and expanding the regional economy,” Claiborne said in a statement. “One of GPI’s biggest assets is its strong regional buy-in from both the public and private sectors, but it’s imperative companies that have benefited from the region’s workforce also invest in the region for continued growth. As we work to grow Greater Portland’s economy, we need to ensure that equity is central to that growth every step of the way. The pandemic has exposed and worsened existing inequities in the region, including uneven access to capital, and I plan to address this directly.”
As someone who is deeply invested in the well-being of the city, Claiborne previously volunteered at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon’s only women’s prison, empowering women through entrepreneurship. She also serves on the board of directors for Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette.
“I am honored Motus had the opportunity to assist in this influential executive search and I am grateful for the time spent with many exceptionally talented leaders in our region. I would like to congratulate Ms. Claiborne, who will be an outstanding leader for GPI,” said Orlando Williams, CEO and Chief Equity Officer at Motus. “GPI is committed to an equitable and inclusive economy. Monique will lead the future inclusive growth of the organization.”
Claiborne starts her new role on Feb. 8.
