Photo Credit: Lanning Photography
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025
Contact:
Meech Boakye, Communications Lead, Regional Arts & Culture Council, mboakye@racc.org
Portland, OR – The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is pleased to announce that, following a national search, Patricia Rojas has been named its next Executive Director, effective August 1st. RACC received a highly competitive pool of 50 applications. Rojas was selected after an extensive recruitment process led by a 13-member staff-board committee, which included multiple rounds of interviews, in-depth reference checks, and a final interview phase that included community partners.
For thirty years, RACC, an independent nonprofit, has served as the designated arts and culture agency for several regional governments and as a cultural institution throughout the greater Portland Metro area. In response to recent shifts in the political and funding landscape, RACC has refocused its mission on managing public art programs, providing professional development for artists and arts organizations, and strengthening regional arts advocacy. RACC currently has 18 employees (16 FTE) and an annual budget of $5.4M, which includes $1.3M in RACC grant awards to other organizations.
“Patricia Rojas emerged from a highly competitive national search as the clear choice to lead RACC into its next chapter,” said Kathleen Holt, RACC’s Board Chair. “Her demonstrated leadership in public service, commitment to equity, and strength in relationship-building reflect the values that define RACC’s work. We are confident in her ability to steward this organization with thoughtfulness and drive, and we look forward to the impact of her leadership across the region’s cultural landscape.”
Patricia Rojas brings a strong track record in public leadership, with experience in coalition-building, fundraising, and organizational transformation. Most recently, she led strategic housing initiatives at Metro Regional Government, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to implement a major public funding initiative. Previously, as Executive Director of El Programa Hispano Católico, she guided the organization’s transition to independent nonprofit status and successfully tripled its operating budget.
“Art is a pillar of strength that binds us as a community, bridges across difference and builds resilience. It is a reflection of who we are and who we dream to be. RACC is nationally recognized for work in public arts, has been a catalyst for elevating the arts and supported artists in our region. I am thrilled and honored to join the RACC team where we will continue to build upon this strong foundation and innovate new approaches that grow the role of the arts in our community.” said Patricia Rojas.
Rojas is known for cultivating strong, values-driven teams and building systems that advance equity across all aspects of organizational practice. Passionate about the value of the arts and culture in fostering inclusive, thriving communities, she brings a leadership style grounded in collaboration, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to social impact. As RACC continues a transformative chapter, Rojas will work with its skilled team and community partners to advance this change, build strategic partnerships, and guide our organization into a newly defined role in the regional arts ecosystem.
“It is a privilege to welcome Patricia Rojas as the next Executive Director of RACC,” said Greg Netzer, RACC’s Interim Executive Director. “Her record of strategic leadership, coalition-building, and advancing equity in complex public and nonprofit environments positions her well for this moment. I admire her ability to navigate systems with clarity, compassion, and purpose and I have full confidence in her capacity to lead RACC with integrity and vision.”
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About the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC): For decades, the Regional Arts & Culture Council has worked to serve every neighborhood in the Portland Metro region, ensuring that arts and culture are accessible to all. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, RACC supports artists, creatives, and arts organizations through advocacy, grants, professional development, and strategic resources. RACC’s nationally recognized public art program enlivens parks, community centers, libraries, health clinics, and government buildings—fostering connection and creativity throughout the region. Learn more at racc.org.