FriendsPDX Welcomes New Chief Program Officer and Director of Development

Friends of the Children—Portland (FriendsPDX) welcomes Ciara Wade as Chief Program Officer and Deriek Cruz as Director of Development. They will both assume their roles in October 2022.

Ciara comes to FriendsPDX with over twenty years of experience working with youth and in various leadership roles, most recently at Janus Youth Programs. She will oversee all aspects of the program and service side of FriendsPDX. Ciara's role will also include serving on the executive leadership team. We are excited for her to join FriendsPDX!

Deriek, who most recently served as Director of Development at Oregon State University Foundation, brings a wealth of experience and leadership pertaining to development, donors, and fundraising. He will oversee the donor relations team and its fundraising efforts. He is a welcome addition to the development team.

Welcome, Ciara and Deriek!