The Native American Youth and Family Center has appointed Oscar Arana (Chichimeca) as its permanent CEO. While Arana served as interim CEO for the past year, the Portland-based nonprofit organization conducted a national search for a new leader, according to a news release Wednesday.
“Oscar’s growth within NAYA and his commitment to the organization, which has now culminated in his new role as the permanent CEO, exemplifies our cultural values around reciprocity, servant leadership, and community,” Molly Washington (N’dee/Apache), chair of the board of directors, said in a news release. “It is an honor and a blessing to have Oscar continue in the role of CEO, ensuring that our work moves forward seamlessly, with creativity, sophistication, passion, and heart.”
Arana, who has over 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, community development and advocacy, has been with the Native American Youth and Family Center for 14 years in various leadership roles. Before becoming interim CEO, he served as community development director, expanding programs in community prosperity, housing and business development.
“I am honored and humbled by the trust the Board has placed in me and the community leaders who encouraged me to pursue this role,” Arana said in a news release. “I look forward to continue partnering with the board, our dedicated staff, clients, elders, community members and partners so NAYA continues being a nationally recognized model for serving the Native American community.”
Community praised Arana’s impact in the organization, citing his dedication to Portland’s Native community and smooth transition into his role.
“He is very well respected, not only with our partners and with our donors, but he’s also well respected with the staff,” said Ann Takamoto, director of development and communications at the Native American Youth and Family Center. “It’s been a change, but we’ve all been working together to manage the transition, and now we’re excited that we finally have a permanent CEO.”
The Native American Youth and Family Center is a community-based nonprofit for a family of numerous tribes that provides a range of services, including cultural, educational, health, housing, economic development and community engagement programs in the Portland area.
“We provide wraparound services that support everyone in the community, from infants to elders,” said Takamoto.
The organization was founded in 1974 by members of the Native American community who were concerned about graduation rates for youths, said Takamoto. The Native American Youth and Family Center has since expanded its services and is celebrating 50 years of impact this year, hosting special events and community gatherings to honor their legacy and look toward the future.
For more information, visit nayapdx.org.
— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara_profenna
The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.