Most Admired Nonprofit Fifth Year in a Row

For the fifth year in a row, Friends of the Children–Portland and SW Washington has been named the #1 Most Admired Nonprofit in Oregon by the business community. We are honored that our work has been recognized for a high impact on the lives of the youth we serve each day. For the past thirteen years, Friends of the Children has been ranked in the top ten.

"I could not be more proud to walk alongside my team as they relentlessly pursue our goal of empowering youth in our community," said Interim Executive Director Maddie O'Neill Andrews. "Relationships are what makes up the ethos of Friends of the Children. It's what we are built on. We are so grateful for the long-standing relationships with our community and business partners that make our 12+ year commitment to our youth possible. We, as a collective community, are putting kids first with relationships built on love and empowerment."

Every year, the Portland Business Journal surveys CEOs across Oregon and Southwest Washington to discover which local companies are most admired by top executives. Over 400 leaders responded to the survey this year. It’s such a privilege to be number one in our industry category and to be recognized alongside these other #1 Most Admired Companies:

• Nike | Across All Industries
• Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods | Food and Beverage Producers & Agriculture
• Intel | Technology & Technology Manufacturing
• Umpqua Bank | Financial Services
• Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) | Healthcare
• Columbia Sportswear Co. | Product Makers & Designers
• Melvin Mark Companies | Commercial Real Estate & Development
• Stoel Rives LLP | Law & Accounting

"The intent of this program has always been simply to recognize some of the great corporate citizens we have in this region and all of the many benefits they and their employees bring to the state and its communities," said Craig Wessel, Publisher of the Portland Business Journal, regarding Oregon's Most Admired Companies Awards, now in its 15th year. "Strong brands are built on fundamentals that transcend current trends or the vagaries of short-term economics," he continued. "When you think of the stalwarts at the top of these lists [...] they bring to mind the very best of Oregon both in their competitive performance and, perhaps equally important, their commitment to the state."

We are honored to do the work that we do in partnership with our community. Such a distinction wouldn’t be possible without the help of community supporters, business partners, volunteers and our board members. We would like to share this achievement with everyone who has supported us this year.

To read more about the awards and the other organizations recognized for their meaningful contributions, visit the Portland Business Journal here.