Our Next Chapter

Dear Multifamily NW members,

Today, I am very honored to announce that the Multifamily NW Board of Directors has selected me to lead our association as its next executive director, beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

I have had the distinct pleasure of serving as the deputy executive director since the spring of 2022. While these past 18 months have taught me much, I am no stranger to the industry. In fact, enhancing the quality of Oregon’s rental housing has been my life’s work.

Prior to joining the MFNW team last year, I served our association as the Board president, treasurer, and multi-year committee member. For nearly 30 years, I led a Portland-based tenant screening company and deeply understand the challenges that our members throughout the industry face each day.

It’s no secret that those challenges are significant. Our state – and by extension, our industry – has a lot of work to do as we wrestle with a persistent housing crisis that is forcing more Oregonians into less stable situations. This has a ripple effect on our state’s economy, our social fabric, and our collective health. Under my leadership, MFNW is going to be part of the solution.

Throughout the past several months, I have led a joint effort by MFNW staff, our outgoing Board President Josh Lloyd, and incoming Board President Andie Smith, to develop the association’s first-ever 5-Year Strategic Plan. The plan was adopted unanimously by our Board late last week.

These pillars hold us accountable for success, progress, and where we need to improve. They allow us to tune out the noise of the moment and focus on what matters to our members. They align us around a common agreement on where we are headed, and how we will get there. And, taken together, they all support a larger goal.

1. MFNW will focus on building, enhancing and protecting the reputation of our industry as allies in the creation of safe, affordable and equitable housing solutions for all Oregonians.
2. MFNW will be a leader in helping shape the trajectory of housing policy in our region – and creating a stable regulatory environment that allows industry to invest in the next generation of safe, affordable housing options.
3. MFNW will focus on creating more pathways for more people to work in critical roles across our industry — and ensure the stability of our industry through next generation leadership and ownership.
4. MFNW will be the first call, click, or reference political decision-makers, media influencers, and industry leaders make to get the best information on housing solutions in our communities.

Now, the hard work begins. But I am confident that this association has the energy and the expertise it will take grow into an effective advocate for not only your business – but your communities as well.

I would be remiss if I didn’t end with a sincere thank-you to Deborah Imse, our outgoing executive director. Deborah has fearlessly led this association for the past 23 years. She is the architect of the strong and successful organization we have today. Her outstanding commitment to our members and to the communities we serve is something I will strive to match every day in this new role. Housing providers are so fortunate to have had Deborah by their side for all these years. More information will be coming soon about opportunities to celebrate Deborah and all she means to us.

As we transition into this exciting next chapter, I welcome the opportunity to hear from you. Please reach out to me any time at gary@multifamilynw.org.

Click to view media press release on Multifamily NW's leadership transition.

Onward and upward,

Gary Fisher