June 13, 2013 – Dean Gisvold, senior partner at McEwen Gisvold LLP, and Bing Sheldon, founder of SERA Architects, were honored by Multnomah County today. Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation that declared June 13th as an appreciation day for the two civic leaders who have given a combined 65+ years of service on the board of Central City Concern. Both men are retiring from Central City Concern’s board at the end of June. Gisvold has chaired monthly meetings for the agency over the past 26 years.
Gisvold and Sheldon both served on Portland’s Downtown Plan of 1972, a pivotal piece of urban planning that has been heralded nationally. They were also driving forces behind the creation of Central City Concern that began as Burnside Consortium with a mission of providing compassionate care for street alcoholics who frequented Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. The agency expanded into developing and managing affordable housing, primary and behavioral healthcare, and employment services.
Both men have served on boards of other major organizations over the years. Sheldon has previously served on the board of the Portland Art Museum, the Urban Growth Committee of the AIA Portland Chapter, Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum and Arts Plan 2000+. Gisvold was a founding board member of the statewide Network for Oregon Affordable Housing. He is also current board member/ past president of the Irvington Community Association (ICA), past chair of the Portland Public School Board and past chair of the Multnomah County Library Advisory Board.
The proclamation is viewable on Central City Concern’s blog and Multnomah County’s website.
Central City Concern’s mission is providing comprehensive solutions to ending homelessness and achieving self-sufficiency. It serves approximately 13,000 people yearly with healthcare, housing, peer support and employment.
