Board Spotlight: Jeff Cole
Board Spotlight: Jeff Cole
August 4, 2026 Board Spotlight
Jeff Cole served as CEP’s Board President for over a decade. As he transitions to Past President, Jeff shared his reflections on CEP’s growth and strategic milestones.
What initially inspired you to get involved with CEP and eventually serve as Board President?
I had recently completed two terms on the City of Portland Adjustment Committee and was looking for a new volunteer opportunity. Charity Fain and Dave Brook, who was Board President at the time, first approached my daughter about serving on the board. She was not available at the time, but told Charity and Dave that her father was looking for an opportunity and that I might be interested. I knew about CEP almost from the time of its founding, when I was working for Seattle’s Ecotope Group, focusing on community-based weatherization and renewable energy programs. My belief in the importance of those kinds of programs continued, so after speaking with Charity and Dave about CEP’s vision and the potential to join the board, I was hooked.
You were involved with CEP’s first round of strategic planning and the implementation of that plan two years ahead of schedule. Do you think CEP is on track to have similar success with our recent round of strategic planning, and why?
CEP has become very good at maintaining a strategic perspective on community needs, related to both policy and direct service delivery. While the first strategic plan was groundbreaking for CEP, strategic planning and implementation have since become core organizational strengths. I have no doubt that the staff and board will continue collaborating to achieve great success.
Throughout your tenure, you’ve seen CEP grow to nearly 40 employees and a board of 14. What has it been like to witness that growth, and what do you think has made it possible?
The most significant decision was hiring Charity Fain as the Executive Director and the subsequent board and staff collaboration. While CEP has served the community for nearly five decades, the organization experienced tremendous growth and transformation during Charity's tenure.
Another empowering action was the board decision to sell the building CEP owned on Alberta, a significant step that provided resources to fund strategic investments – most importantly commitments to staff for better compensation and benefits.
Some great hires at the Director positions have provided stability, vision, and recognition as leaders of the communities we serve. As CEP has strengthened its staff leadership, I believe the board has an opportunity to continue developing the next generation of board leaders as well.
CEP’s programming significantly expanded with the introduction of funding from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF). Do you have any reflections on PCEF and its impact on our work and the communities we serve?
PCEF funding has been transformative, expanding the scope, scale, and reach of CEP’s in-homes work, supporting new staff positions, expanding organizational capacity, and fostering new subcontractor relationships. PCEF grants have also been directly responsible for improved staff compensation, allowing CEP to attract and retain an outstanding team.
Looking back on your time as Board President, what accomplishment or milestone are you most proud of?
When I joined the board, CEP was still struggling with a funding base heavily dependent upon the Portland Housing Bureau. Net operating income was insufficient to attract and retain staff and to invest in developing new capabilities. I am most proud of the challenging board decision to sell the building that CEP owned on Alberta, and then to invest a modest amount of those funds within the organization, supporting staff development and organizational growth.
Why do you want to stay involved with CEP as Past President?
Charity Fain has been able to recruit and foster outstanding CEP staff leadership; it is past time for the board to also nurture new leaders who will focus upon the strategies and needs of a more mature organization. I believe Jake Wise will be a great Board President, and I want to effectively support a transition to his leadership through continued executive committee participation.
What’s something you’ve learned about the Portland or Oregon community through your involvement with CEP?
The remarkable impact that a dynamic, visionary organization like CEP can have both on the local community and across the state.
What makes you most excited for CEP’s future?
CEP is clearly recognized for the impact it has in the Portland metro area and across the state and is increasing the scale of that impact. CEP’s leadership team continues to demonstrate an ability to leverage the organization’s success, finding new ways to directly help clients and other community-based organizations.
