Leadership Bio

Name: Ellis Ray Leary

Commission function: Commission Chair

Represents: City of Portland

Professional Experience: Ellis “Ray” Leary is a native Portlander and active participant in real estate, development, and the community. He is the principal officer of ERL, L.L.C., which specializes in urban real estate development, marketing, and workforce development and training. He is the co-owner of Leary & Associates, which provides consulting services for diversity training and organizational development.

Ray worked for Adidas America, where he managed its national urban marketing unit, served as the executive assistant to the president/CEO of Adidas America, and was project manager for Adidas’ first full line retail store located in Portland. He also served as director of development and interim president for the Urban League of Portland.

Ray has received many awards and honors for his artistic achievements and civic leadership. His artistic accomplishments includes a 1996 Grammy award nomination for songwriter/producer and a Hip Hop Hall of Fame Award. Leaderships honors include the Salvation Army Community Pride Award, President Bush's Point of Light Foundation, the Ron Schmidt Award from the PRSA Portland Chapter, and the NAACP Portland Image Award.

Ray's broad accomplishments with both business and real estate give him a broad perspective on the business and strategic goals of MERC. His experience helps the agency anticipate and respond to the complex development issues associated with the MERC venues and to work effectively with the agency's business and community partners.

Organizations/Affiliations

NAACP, Member
N.E. Business Association, Member
Portland Oregon Sports Authority, Board