PORTLAND, OR – The Board of Directors of the Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum (HACCM) of Oregon and SW Washington announced on April 23 the appointment of Brandon Baker as the organization’s first Executive Director. The position is funded by a capacity-building grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in Vancouver, Washington.

“As HACCM’s first Executive Director, Brandon brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and program and volunteer management,” said Board Chair Nick Fkiaras. 

For the past four years Baker served in roles of increasing responsibility at Portland Japanese Garden, the largest Japanese cultural institution outside of Japan. Utilizing innovative new strategies to increase member retention and recruitment, he led the organization through its most significant period of growth for the membership community to over 20,000 members and over $750,000 of gross revenue in 2018.

After three years in membership and donor relations, Baker joined the Garden’s executive team to assist the CEO on strategic initiatives to increase the organization’s capacity to bring premier cultural programming, conferences, and symposia to a global audience.

Prior to Portland Japanese Garden, Baker served with Cascade Educational Broadcast Service, Friends of Zenger Farm, and Reedwood Friends. His experience at these organizations built a core skill set in volunteer management, program management, donor and board cultivation, and strategic growth initiatives. 

“I’m excited to get to work with HACCM on increasing the visibility and access to our collection and programming,” said Baker. “The museum has an excellent collection that has been a hidden gem in this community.”

The Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gathers, preserves, and shares the Hellenic (Greek) American experience in Oregon and SW Washington. HACCM is the leading nonprofit cultural center of its kind on the west coast and is located on the second floor of the Fr. Elias Stephanopoulos Center at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan Street in Portland, OR. It will resume normal gallery hours following the direction of local and state authorities regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

More information is available online: hellenicamericancc.org.