Mary Anne Cassin is a retired parks professional who is passionate about maintaining Portland's special places for future generations. Her career spanned three decades and included service for Metro and private landscape architecture firms as well as her 25 years with Portland Parks. She was honored to be inducted as a Fellow with the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2018 for her contributions to the profession.

Why this board?

She has chosen to work with the PPF because as a separate non-profit organization, it increases the visibility and sustainability of parks as a vital cultural and environmental resource.

If you could be a Portland park, which one would you be and why?

If I could be any park, I would be Pioneer Courthouse Square because I love it when broad swaths of people come together to share joy, the change in seasons, and cultural events... Plus I love a good party!

What do you hope to accomplish while serving?

I would love to see the Foundation complete its evolution into a thriving, well-known organization that helps people help their parks.

Bob Gandolfi came to Oregon in 1974 to complete a masters degree at the University of Oregon and instantly fell in love with Oregon. He became the Director of Outdoor Recreation for Portland Parks and Recreation and was there for 17 years. In 2001, PP&R contracted him to work on the opening of the Eastbank Esplanade as well as to collaborate on a citywide event called The Illuminata Parade of Light. For the next 15 years he produced events that included private and public openings, nonprofit fundraisers, parties and events for corporate and private clients. In 46 years of living in Portland, he has been involved in civic engagement and has crossed paths with many diverse people who call this great city home. Bob continues to enjoy outdoor pursuits and gardening.

Why this Board?

I was asked by a friend who was serving on the board to join—I had been aware for years about the Foundation and saw this as a good fit and a way to apply my skills and respect for public parks and recreation.

If you could be a Portland park, which one would you be and why?

I would pick Forest Park—I’ve spent countless hours hiking and biking the trails and it is a wonderful place of refuge for me.

What do you hope to accomplish while serving?

I hope to expand the reach of the Foundation to a new donor base and to provide equitable access to people in parks and open spaces.

Julie Vigeland

Why this board?

Being appointed to the Parks Board was a game changer for Julie. Yes, she used and enjoyed our city parks but she became informed about the many issues involving parks. Working with Commissioner Fish, as the board chair, gave her an insight to the myriad aspects of the PP&R system. She was hooked. So, when she had an opportunity to further her work for Portland Parks…she jumped. At the time the board was struggling. Being a part of re-building the board and staff has been fulfilling and rewarding. The bottom line? Julie feels as though she can make a difference for Portland and Portlanders given her time spent with the Foundation.

If you could be a Portland park, which one would you be and why?

If she could be a park it would be Alberta Park. On walks with her daughter during the pandemic, they have walked lots of areas of the city and that means…lots of parks. Alberta Park was one they returned to as it was so welcoming. The tall stands of trees, the people (all with masks!) enjoying the dog designated portion of the park, children running free under parental guidance. It is clearly a place of wonder during “normal” times. During a pandemic, it is a place of safety, fresh air, and casual greetings of neighbors and others, like us, who come to visit. I would hope to be like this park -- welcoming, open to all, and fun-loving.

What do you hope to accomplish while serving?

Serving my term and beyond (as past president and now emeritus member,) it has been a privilege to be a part of the growth and regeneration of the Foundation. We’ve built a small but outstanding staff, we have a board that brings diversity of thought and experience to our work, and we are not “stuck” in one place. We are moving forward in creative yet measured ways. It is my privilege to continue to serve as we bring the Foundation further into the consciousness of the community we serve. Together we can do ever greater things for Portlanders and Portland parks!

jonathan nicholas photo.jpeg — Jonathan Nicholas

Jonathan Nicholas was born and raised in the coal-mining valleys of Wales. He was 14 years old when his grandfather, a coal miner, first took him 1,500 feet underground. The experience gave him a renewed interest in schoolwork. He graduated from the University of Bristol and then spent four years working on a series of international aid projects in the Himalayas. In 1975, he helped found the first Himalayan National Park. He joined The Oregonian newspaper in 1982 and spent 25 years there. In 1988, Nicholas invited readers to join him on a bicycle ride across Oregon. Each September for 30 years, thousands of cyclists from all over the world participated in Cycle Oregon. Jonathan joined Moda in 2008 and serves as a vice president, helping the company fulfill its mission of building healthier communities.

Why this board?

I work at a health company. We believe Green Therapy is every bit as important as Gene Therapy. Access to nature is critical to public health. Parks are the gateway drug to the great outdoors.

If you could be a Portland park, which one would you be and why?

I’d have to say the Eastbank Esplanade. I have walked or cycled it almost every day for 25 years. It’s a park, a transportation corridor, an urban oasis, a tourist attraction, a selfie station and a swimming hole. It’s everything you want a city park to be.

What do you hope to accomplish while serving?

It’s right there in our mission statement. I want to help people help parks.