Oregon's SOLV names new director

The SOLV board of directors on Friday named Melisa McDonald as executive director.

She replaces Dianna Smiley, who left in September to start her own fundraising company.

The Portland-based nonprofit group, which addresses address litter and vandalism issues, also elected new officers for 2010 and announced several new directors.

A long-time Oregonian originally from Crane, McDonald most recently served as the executive director of Oregon 150, the nonprofit organization that planned the state’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration. McDonald also has experience as a regional and national manager in the private sector.

“This is a very exciting time for SOLV as we celebrate 40 years of service to Oregon and begin implementing our new strategic plan,” said Dave Robertson, SOLV board president and vice president for public policy for Portland General Electric.

In addition to Robertson, incoming board officers are: Vice President Lea Ann Easton, attorney and partner, Dorsay & Easton LLP; Secretary Paul Slyman, sustainable services division manager, Portland Development Commission; and Treasurer Joel Forbess, principal, Antico & Forbess LLP.

The board also elected as new directors: Carmen Calzacorta, attorney and shareholder with Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt; Damon Dishman, vice president/district manager, Wells Fargo; Mark Krautmann, owner, Heritage Seedlings Inc.; and Dan Medin, corporate sustainability director, Regence BlueCross BlueShield.