OEC Announces New Executive Director, Diana Nuñez
Nuñez brings two decades of leadership expertise and strong commitment to equity and engagement
PORTLAND, OR—Oregon Environmental Council is pleased to announce that Diana Nuñez has been selected to serve as the organization’s new executive director. Nuñez, who has served as OEC’s Interim Executive Director since April, was selected as the result of a rigorous, seven-month national search.
Nuñez distinguished herself from all other candidates through her passion for the environment; leadership expertise; dedication to building a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and vision for future growth.
“I am so honored to have this opportunity to build on the great legacy of leadership at OEC, says Nuñez. “Environmental issues within the state of Oregon are multifaceted and complex.Transformative solutions demand creativity and collaboration. I’m excited to work with Oregon’s diverse networks of stakeholders and partners to find innovative solutions that will protect our air, water, land and the health of all our communities around the state.”
Nuñez has built her leadership career over the last two decades as an executive working in both the public and private sectors. Before joining OEC, she served as Executive Director of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber where she led an ambitious strategic planning process and created new business and community partnerships to support Latinx small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for former Mayor Charlie Hales where she led the operations and management of the mayoral team and helped to create and implement policies to enhance economic development, support working families, promote organizational equity, and expand access to education. She serves on the board of the Portland Trail Blazers Foundation, SMART Reading and Portland Housing Center.
“After an exhaustive national search, it is clear that Diana is the right person at the right time to guide OEC forward,” said Lane Shetterly, OEC Board President. “Her vision, commitment and business leadership experience will be instrumental in carrying forward the successful environmental advocacy for which OEC is known.”
Over the next several weeks Nuñez will be reaching out to communities across Oregon to connect with OEC’s varied constituencies. OEC will also be hosting events locally and in select cities throughout the state to introduce Nuñez.