Community Foundation for Southwest Washington names next president

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington has selected its next president.

Matt Morton — currently the Equitable Education Portfolio Director at Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon’s second-largest foundation — will succeed Jennifer Rhoads as the organization’s fifth president.

Rhoads led the organization for nearly a decade before announcing her departure in October of 2021. Morton will take the helm on April 18, 2022.

Prior to his current role, Morton served as the executive director of the Native American Youth and Family Center and the deputy director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association. He held a governor-appointed position as chair for the Youth Development Council, and was the first Native American elected to Portland Public Schools’ Board of Education, according to a news release. He holds a master of education degree from Oregon State University, and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s of arts from Saint Martin’s University.

Morton was selected following a national search that included more than 40 applicants. His experience across the nonprofit, philanthropic and public policy sectors, coupled with deep roots in Washington state, elicited unanimous support from the search committee, according to a news release.

Rhoads will serve as an adviser for up to six months during the transition.