Leadership Bio
Name: Chris Erickson
Commission function: Commissioner
Represents: City of Portland
Professional Experience: Mr. Erickson has been in hospitality profession and serving individuals for over 25 years. His passion for serving the guest was discovered while in college working for Skansonia Charters and Catering on Lake Union, Washington. Chris Erickson attended the University of Washington graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1991. He was then accepted to the Washington State University Management Development Program in Seattle, Washington where he earned accredited certification in Hospitality Management.
Mr. Erickson's professional hotel career began shortly thereafter in Seattle as a Guest Service Agent with WestCoast Hotels at the legendary Camlin Hotel. Mr. Erickson's success led to several promotions. His career grew fast as he served as Reservations Manager, Front Office Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Assistant General Manager and within a few years was General Manager. Mr. Erickson continued his industry related education throughout his career, and received his Certificate Hotel Administrator (C.H.A.) in 1999.
He was Coast Hotel's (formerly WestCoast) "go-to" manager for many years, and was promoted and transferred to four different states and seven different cities, in just seven years. In each of these roles, he gained valuable experience. Having exceeded guest expectations for numerous "stars", dignitaries, professionals, and travelers, Coast Hotels, in 1999, gave him the opportunity to open the premier Paramount Hotel, Portland, Oregon.
During his tenure at the Paramount Hotel, Mr. Erickson served on several community boards including: Past Chair Elect, Executive Board of Directors Portland Oregon Visitors Association; Board of Portland Center for the Performing Arts; Past Co-Chair of Cultural District Council; Past Chair of Cultural District Development Committee.
In 2005, after making a significant impact in the Portland downtown community, Mr. Erickson decided to challenge himself with a unique opportunity. He joined a Forbes Fortune 130 national retail organization. As Store Director he utilized his hotel background, and in 2006, out of four-hundred (400) stores, his 27+ million dollar operation was ranked in the top 25 in guest service, and in the top 25 operationally.
Now at the helm of the 4 star Heathman Hotel, as General Manager, in downtown Portland, Mr. Erickson currently serves on numerous boards and commissions affiliated with the hospitality and tourism industries. In 2008, he received the prestigious American Hotel and Lodging Association's State Leadership Award for the State of Oregon. He resides in Portland with his wife, Melissa, a long time Portland resident, and is a supporter of everything Oregon!
Organizations/Affiliations:
- Oregon Tourism Commission Board
- Travel Portland Executive Board
- Oregon Historical Society Board of Directors
- Tri-County Lodging Association Board of Directors
- Oregon Lodging Association Board of Directors