Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission

Leadership

MERC is governed by a Board of Commissioners who are appointed by Metro Council President upon recommendation from local area governments. Board members share a strong commitment to ensuring that the regional facilities it manages serve the public interest.  The board composition includes seven members representing the City of Portland (two), Metro (two), and one each for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. The Commissioners serve four-year terms.

MERC’s authority is governed under Metro Code, Chapter 6.01.

Commissioners:
Ellis Ray Leary | Judie Hammerstad | Elisa Dozono | Chris Erickson | Terry Goldman | Cynthia Haruyama | Karis Stoudamire-Phillips

Executives:
Cheryl Twete | Stephanie Soden | Chris Bailey | Matthew Rotchford | Robyn Williams | Lori Leyba Kramer | Jeff Blosser | Karen Totaro

Commissioners

Ellis Ray Leary

Ellis Ray Leary
Chair

Judie Hammerstad

Judie Hammerstad
Vice-Chair

Elisa Dozono

Elisa Dozono
Secretary-Treasurer

Chris Erickson

Chris Erickson
Commissioner

Terry Goldman

Terry Goldman
Commissioner

Cynthia Haruyama

Cynthia Haruyama
Commissioner

Karis Stoudamire-Phillips

Karis Stoudamire-Phillips
Commissioner


Executives

Cheryl Twete

Cheryl Twete 
Interim General Manager 

 

Stephanie Soden

Stephanie Soden
Director of Communications and Strategic Development

Chris Bailey

Chris Bailey
Executive Director, Portland Expo Center

Matthew Rotchford

Matthew Rotchford
Sales and Events Manager, Portland Expo Center

Yvonne McClain

Robyn Williams
Executive Director, Portland Center for the Performing Arts

Lori Leyba Kramer

Lori Leyba Kramer
Assistant Executive Director, Portland Center for the Performing Arts

Jeff Blosser

Jeff Blosser
Executive Director, Oregon Convention Center

Karen Totaro

Karen Totaro
Assistant Executive Director, Oregon Convention Center