After 17 years as executive director with the Latino Community Association, Brad Porterfield is stepping down.

In December, Porterfield told the staff and board that he felt the time was right for new leadership at LCA, and for him to begin a new chapter as well.

“It’s been an absolute honor to serve our Latino families, to help build and work alongside such an amazing team, our volunteers and community partners over the years,” Porterfield said in a press release. “To have gone through the economic crash of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic and come out stronger than ever shows a lot of grit and passion,” Porterfield said.

Porterfield gave his notice as LCA was launching a strategic planning process with Reyna Consulting Group. Six months into the process, LCA’s board of directors decided to begin the transition.

As of June 23, Porterfield serves as advisor to the leadership transition team, which is currently searching for LCA’s next executive director. Members of that team include Daniel Altamirano Hernández, interim executive director of administration, policy and partnerships and a former administrative assistant. Mary Murphy, interim deputy director of development, programming and operations — and the former volunteer coordinator — is on the team as well.

“Brad Porterfield embodies exceptional leadership, driving transformative growth within the Latino Community Association,” said LCA Board President Zavier Borja in a release. “With visionary guidance, he fostered a family environment, nurturing and growing a talented staff, all while expanding the organization’s budget to unprecedented levels. We honor Brad’s remarkable contributions … to a thriving Latino community.”

Since 2000, the Latino Community Association has been working with Latino families and children to build bridges across cultures and create a more resilient Central Oregon. Its programs include workforce education and training, family empowerment, healthy families, youth rising and cultural enrichment. Its services impact more than 8,000 people each year.

For more information visit www.latinocommunityassociation.org or call 541-382-4366.