OLCV hires Jon Isaacs as new Executive Director

For immediate release: August 11, 2009

Contact: Toby Van Fleet,
Communications Director,
503-224-4011 x212, toby@olcv.org

Isaacs will replace current ED
Jonathan Poisner in early October

PORTLAND, OR – Jon Isaacs has accepted the position of Executive Director of The Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

Isaacs most recently served as State Director in the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, after managing Merkley’s successful senatorial campaign against Gordon Smith in 2008. That campaign was the first to unseat an incumbent United States Senator in Oregon in 40 years. Isaacs also served as Executive Director of FuturePAC, the political committee for the Oregon House Democrats, and has worked for a number of political organizations and candidates in Oregon as well as in Washington, D.C.

“I consider OLCV to be one of the most important and impactful organizations in Oregon politics. I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” says Isaacs. “Oregon – and the country – needs a powerful, aggressive, savvy and ultimately successful environmental movement. The stakes are just too high for anything less.”

Isaacs will take the baton from Jonathan Poisner, who has been OLCV’s Executive Director for the last 12 years.

During Poisner’s tenure, OLCV’s annual budget has grown from $200,000 to $1.1 million. In addition, OLCV’s county chapter program, started in 1997, has grown into a grassroots force to be reckoned with, making the difference in contested elections at both the local and state levels. “Jon’s grassroots political chops are a great fit for the mission of OLCV,” says Poisner. “The organization will be in great hands.”

Poisner announced his intention to leave the organization in April, and has no formal post-OLCV plans yet. The transition will take place in early October.

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters works to protect Oregon’s natural legacy by passing pro-environment laws, electing environmental leaders to office, and holding those elected officials accountable.

 
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