Progress at Willamette Falls: A New Executive Director Leads Efforts at the Falls

Andrew Mason has been selected as the first full-time executive director for Willamette Falls Trust, the nonprofit organization created to raise resources and advocate for the revitalization of the former Blue Heron paper mill site in Oregon City and the public riverwalk experience.

The public riverwalk will connect downtown Oregon City to Willamette Falls. It will create a world-class public space with views of Willamette Falls that have been hidden from the public for over a century.

Mason, who assumed his new role on April 2, 2018, has a strong background in fundraising, strategic planning, program development, and executive leadership. He has knowledge and experience in government relations, collaborative management, and a recent capital campaign. He has also successfully secured federal, state and local public and private sector funding. He most recently served as the executive director for Open School in Portland, OR.

Mason holds a Bachelor of Arts from Reed College and a Master of Social Work from Portland State University.

“I come to this project with a strong sense of its value to our community, state, and nation. Its success will take committed and unwavering investment from the entire region and an ability to leverage and extend our community connections and assets. I look forward to working with the Board and the many voices involved in visioning such a challenging and inspiring future for the Willamette Falls Legacy Project,” Mason shared.

The Willamette Falls Trust Board is comprised of volunteer leaders from business and industry, education, labor, civic and environmental organizations, and engaged citizens.

TrustBoard president Alice Norris expressed her appreciation for the groundwork laid by retiring executive director, Shelly Parini. “We have thrived under Shelly’s active leadership, with new communication materials, a strategic plan and a capital campaign plan. Andrew will help us build, execute and leverage our broad base of supporters and champions.”