Press ReleasesPress Release – Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Executive Director Passes the Torch
Maggie Finnerty stepping down after positioning OEN for the future
Portland, Ore., — June 25, 2019— The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) announced today that Executive Director and President Maggie Finnerty is stepping down from her position at the end of June to help care for an ailing parent.
Jim Coonan, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and former OEN Board Chair, will step in as Interim Executive Director on July 1. OEN’s Board of Directors will begin the search for a new Executive Director soon.
“This decision did not come easily, but I believe that while the timing is never perfect I have chosen a time and a transition that ensures the continued success of OEN and its partners,” Finnerty said. “I take pride in all that we’ve accomplished. The foundation we have built is very exciting and inspirational and I believe that, with our current array of education, networking, coaching programs as well as our incredible network, OEN is in the best position possible to support entrepreneurs.”
For more than 28 years, OEN has helped entrepreneurs succeed by providing access to the people they need to know, the programs and education they need to grow, and the capital they need to scale.
Since joining OEN as Executive Director almost three years ago, Finnerty has been instrumental in creating more focused, sector-specific programming for the nonprofit organization, such as creating Oregon’s first-ever Angel Food Investment Conference, which took place last week. This first-ever food fund raised $155,000. Finnerty has also been successful in expanding OEN’s coaching and mentoring services and educational programming to reach more entrepreneurs across the state. Under her leadership, Finnerty expanded OEN’s Venture Catalyst mentorship and coaching program to include Washington County last year, and this year to Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties.
“The OEN Board of Directors is grateful for Maggie’s service to this organization and to our inspiring community of entrepreneurs,” said Mary Hull, Partner at Stoel Rives LLP and Chair of OEN’s Board. “While we understand that sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions, Maggie’s energy and leadership will be missed at OEN.”
About Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN)
OEN, a nonprofit in the State of Oregon, is one of the first and largest organizations dedicated to improving Oregon’s economy by supporting startups from every industry across the state. A member-based organization with a 28-year history, OEN is the heart of Oregon’s entrepreneurial community. OEN helps entrepreneurs start up and scale up by connecting them to the people they need to know, the programs and education they need to grow, and the capital they need to scale. Its mission is to drive innovation, facilitate job creation, and put Oregon on the map as a center for entrepreneurial excellence. Learn more at oen.org.
Contact:
Jim Coonan
Interim Executive Director
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN)
(503) 222-2270
