The Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) today announced that Lisa Nisenfeld has been selected as the organization’s new president. Nisenfeld was approved for appointment to the position by a unanimous vote of the CREDC Board of Directors after a four-month national search in which more than 100 applicants sought the position.
"Through the interview process Lisa demonstrated not only her passion for the position, but the vision she has for both the community and the CREDC," said CREDC Board of Directors Chair Eric Fuller in a press release.
The CREDC’s top position has been vacant since last May, when Bart Phillips resigned after 11 years as president.
Nisenfeld said her first order of business as president of the CREDC will be to come up with an implementation plan of the recently completed and accepted Clark County Economic Develop Plan.
“The community's agreement of the [economic development] plan was just the first step. Now we need take advantage of the willingness everyone has shown to work toward a common goal and to put the plan into action," she said.
For the past seven years, Nisenfeld has led the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) as its executive director, a nonprofit organization with both private and public sector representation focused on ensuring a skilled local workforce. Prior to her position at the SWWDC, Nisenfeld had her own consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and workforce development.
Nisenfeld has been overseeing operations of the CREDC in addition to her position at the SWWDC since Phillips resigned in May. She will continue to oversee both organizations until a specific transition plan is set.
