Oregon Community Foundation Taps Three New Leaders In Community Development, Finance And Culturally Responsive Programming (Photo) - 03/23/26
March 23, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Colin Fogarty
Director of Communications
Oregon Community Foundation Taps Three New Leaders in Community Development, Finance and Culturally Responsive Programming
New positions reflect OCF’s continued growth and commitment to strengthening communities across Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation has welcomed three new leaders into newly created roles, including a Vice President for Corporate Finance and Accounting, a Director of Culturally Responsive Programs and a Senior Advisor for the Community Development Finance team. These positions build on recent growth at OCF and will help connect programs and regions across the organization, positioning OCF for greater impact across Oregon.
“All three of these leaders bring deep relationships and strong commitments to working in community to uplift Oregon in meaningful ways,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Bringing Oregonians together continues to be our guiding light, and the wealth of expertise each leader brings — across finance, nonprofit management and so much more — helps us deliver even bolder solutions for the state we love.”
Eric Barger, Vice President for Corporate Finance and Accounting
Barger brings 35 years of experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management to OCF. He will oversee the Foundation’s Finance, Accounting, Fund Administration and Grants Administration teams, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of all incoming and outgoing assets. Barger’s commitment to mission-driven financial stewardship strengthens OCF’s financial oversight and risk management.
Previously, Barger worked at the University of Portland for 17 years, where he most recently served as Vice President for Finance and Operations. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Portland.
John Chang, Director of Culturally Responsive Programs
Born and raised in Oregon, John Chang is a nonprofit and philanthropy leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing education and workforce pathways. In his new role within OCF’s Community Engagement and Equity Department, he will advance community-informed partnerships and strategic investments in culturally responsive programs, including the Latino Partnership Program and Black Student Success.
Chang has served as Executive Director of the Oregon Business Academy, the Clackamas Community College Foundation, and College Possible, where he led initiatives connecting young people and adult learners to postsecondary success and meaningful careers. Chang previously served as a Program Officer at Oregon Community Foundation from 2020–2023, overseeing statewide grantmaking. He holds business degrees from Portland State University and the University of Oregon and completed graduate training in nonprofit development at Boston University. Chang also sits on the governing board of The Contingent.
Nathan Kadish, Senior Advisor, Community Development Finance
Nathan Kadish joins OCF from Ecotrust, where he served as Managing Director of Finance and Assets, working at the intersection of economic development, environmental stewardship and equitable prosperity. During his decade there, he deployed mission-driven capital and developed projects with meaningful community benefit.
His experience in community finance ranges from market studies on public funding strategies in rural Oregon to sector plans for a global professional services firm. He holds a BA in Biology and Public Policy from Pomona College and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, with a focus on finance and management strategy. Nathan joins OCF at a moment of opportunity — as the Foundation deepens a decade of work in impact investing and responds to growing demand across Oregon for creative financing solutions that strengthen communities. His expertise will help OCF explore new tools to turn that need into action.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation was founded in 1973 with a mission to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.
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