Leadership Bio

Name: Kathy Taylor

Commission function: Chief Operating Officer

Professional Experience: A CPA for more than 30 years serving in public accounting, public sector and private industry; software development business owner.

Kathy and her team in the business administration department work to continually improve MERC’s business processes and systems so that its public venues can focus on providing audiences and customers with the best event and cultural experiences.

She serves as a senior member of MERC’s executive management team where she has led the way in implementing comprehensive business process and system improvements for the organization. Since joining the agency in 2004, Kathy and her team have improved and established new systems for accounting, finance, construction management and budgeting, and they have expanded contracting, purchasing and information technology functions. The business administration group handles all banking and business transactions for the agency’s $40 million dollar budget. In 2007, Kathy provided leadership with her business administration team during MERC’s first external financial audit.

As the CFO/Director of Finance and Administration with the Port of Portland, she launched several major changes to capital, budget, information technology and purchasing programs. These initiatives improved profitability and service delivery while protecting the public’s investment in port facilities. Kathy also founded KeyPoint, a successful software technology firm that helped companies develop and enhance key business systems. She also has served as a CPA for Moss Adams & Co., and other firms.

Kathy is an active community leader and volunteer. She is treasurer of Community Services Inc., which runs group homes for mentally retarded and developmentally disabled individuals. She is a past board member of Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, which recognized her contributions with the Clara Barton Leadership Award in 2007. In addition, she served as president of Portland Rose Festival in 1998, and the Royal Rosarians designated her “Dame of the Realm of Rosario.”

She graduated magna cum laude from Western Washington University with a degree in business administration/accounting. Raised in Oak Harbor, Wash., Kathy has lived in Portland since 1971.