BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors have a deep, personal commitment to Portland and Portland Public Schools. They lead The Fund for PPS through their expertise, their knowledge of our community and their passionate belief in the power of philanthropic investments in our public schools.
NICK BRODNICKI
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, the fund for portland public schools
NICK@FUNDFORPPS.ORG
Nick brings a background of diverse educational and organizational leadership experience to his role as Interim Executive Director. His career has spanned multiple facets of education and nonprofit management, including serving as a classroom teacher, Executive Director, and Chief Operating Officer. In these roles, he has worked directly with students, led organizations through periods of growth and transformation, and translated strategic vision into operational excellence.
Trained as both an educator and librarian, Nick's career began in public education, and he is passionate about returning to support the institutions and communities that sparked his professional journey. A devoted Portlander, Nick is committed to advancing equity and opportunity for the students of Portland Public Schools.
jackie wirz, Phd
chair, The fund for PPS board of directors
Executive director, link oregon
Jackie Wirz brings her combined experience in scientific research, medical education and innovative nonprofit management to her board service. Recent roles include serving as Executive Director of Saturday Academy and Donate Life Northwest, as well as Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies at Oregon Health & Science University. Using her collaborative and strategic skills, she helps connect people and ideas to create meaningful change. Jackie is a PPS parent with a deep commitment to public education, equity and community development.
Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong
Superintendent, Portland Public Schools
Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong is Superintendent of Portland Public Schools. Dr. Armstrong began her educational career as a public school teacher in the Puyallup School District (WA) and has since devoted over two decades to various roles in elementary, middle, and high schools. Dr. Armstrong's previous roles include cabinet-level Chief Academic Officer in Portland Public Schools, Executive Director of Equity and Public Relations in Edmonds School District (WA), Assistant Superintendent in Tamalpais Union High School District (CA), Associate Superintendent in Santa Rosa City Schools (CA) and Deputy Superintendent in Vancouver (WA). Dr. Armstrong has a demonstrated record of advancing student achievement, addressing racial inequities, and closing the achievement gap for students of color through her dynamic approach to classroom innovation, curriculum enhancement, and professional development.
Dr. Armstrong earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from California State University East Bay, Masters in Business Administration from City University of Seattle and Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Dr. Armstrong serves on the Board of Trustees of Warner-Pacific University and on the Board of Directors for Reaching At-Promise Students Association (RAPSA) and The Fund for Portland Public Schools.
Kristina edmunson
Strategist
kristina strategic communications
With over two decades in public relations and communications, Kristina has led strategy around high-profile litigation, national events, product launches and statewide issue campaigns. She has worked with women leaders growing big brands, non-profit organizations, large foundations, Governors, Attorney Generals and the Vice President of the United States.
As Communications Director for Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum for nine years, she served as the chief media spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Justice, leading communications strategy for some of the state's highest-profile legal cases. Today, Kristina runs her own communications practice working with education non-profits and other organizations in Oregon. She is also a proud PPS elementary school parent..
Jon Isaacs
Vice chair, the fund for pps board of directors
Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Portland metro chamber
Jon Isaacs serves as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Portland Metro Chamber. With more than 30 years of experience, Jon has held senior positions, and achieved significant political and policy victories in campaigns, public affairs, and public policy at the national, state and local levels. Prior to joining the Chamber, he served as the public affairs manager for Uber Technologies representing the company in Oregon and most of the Western U. S., and as the chief of communications and public affairs for Portland Public Schools (PPS) from 2012 to 2016. Prior to PPS, he spent more than 16 years working for and advising Democratic candidates, elected officials, and progressive nonprofit advocacy organizations in national, state, and local leadership roles.
Jon graduated from Oregon State University with a BA in political science in 1996, where he also served as Student Body President. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Transition Projects. Jon is a PPS parent and has coached in SE Portland Little League for the past 12 years and currently leads the 13 year old intermediate program.
Collin Romer
Chief Communications Officer, Portland Timbers
Collin Romer is an experienced communications professional with a focus on sports and events. He serves as Chief Communications Officer for the Portland Timbers, where he oversees communications, public affairs and broadcast functions for the team and Providence Park. Prior to joining the Portland Timbers in 2019, he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers communications staff for 14 years. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, Collin is a Portland native who attended Portland Public Schools from K-12. He lives with his family in North Portland, where his two sons attend PPS schools.