Press Releases

The Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission (MERC) selected its slate of officers for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. Commissioner Elisa Dozono was chosen to serve as chair, Commissioner Ray Leary as vice chair, and Commissioner Judie Hammerstad as secretary treasurer.

 

Dozono, an attorney specializing in business and intellectual property litigation and government relations with Miller Nash law firm, has served on the Commission since 2007. As immediate past secretary treasurer and chair of the MERC budget committee, she was instrumental in crafting the fiscal year 2010-2011 budgets for the three MERC venues, the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, and Portland Expo Center.

 

"The Commissioners made a wise decision in choosing Elisa Dozono as chair," stated Metro Council president David Bragdon. "She has extensive knowledge of the venue industry and understands the key issues each of our facilities faces. Combined with her business and legal expertise, she is the perfect selection to preside during an important time for the Commission," he added.

 

Comprised of business and community leaders from around the region, the Commission provides strategic guidance to the venues' business operations; develops annual budgets; sets organizational policies; and approves major contracts and agreements on behalf of the Metro Council and chief operating officer. The current Commission board represents the tourism, hospitality, property development, public affairs, local government and non-profit industries.

 

"Our region is well-served by the wealth of business, legal, non-profit and government expertise represented on this Commission," said Metro chief operating officer Michael Jordan. He added, "The benefits of this public/private relationship to Metro and the public are immeasurable and we're grateful for the time and energy each devotes to our community venues."

 

Over the past year, the Metro Council made several changes to its code governing MERC, including shifting the reporting relationship of the MERC general manager from the Commission to the Metro chief operating officer. Beginning July 1, the general manager will lead a new Metro department of Visitor Venues and assume supervisory authority over the Oregon Zoo director, in addition to the MERC venue directors. The Commission, however, will retain governing responsibilities over the MERC venues only.

 

"I am honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve in this leadership role and look forward to guiding the organization through this time of transition," said Dozono. "I will also remain focused on the business of the venues so that their strategic business goals continue to be met, despite the continued economic challenges facing our region."

 

Commissioner Ray Leary completes his current term of chair on June 30 and assumes his vice chair position on July 1. As vice chair, he serves in the place of the chair as needed. As secretary treasurer, Commissioner Judie Hammerstad will chair the MERC budget committee.

 

To learn more about the Commission or the MERC venues, visit www.mercvenues.org or www.oregonmetro.gov.