CEIC Board of Directors appoints executive director

Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) and Central Eastside Together (CET) announced they have selected Carolyne Holcomb as their new Executive Director. She has served in an interim role since August and previously held the Director of Marketing and Business Strategy position for both organizations.

“For the last 18 months, I have had the opportunity to work alongside the Central Eastside community, our board, and staff,” said Carolyne. “I am thrilled to serve in this new capacity as an advocate for our members and a steward of our enhanced services district. The Central Eastside has steadfastly committed to our recovery, and I share the community’s optimism as momentum for new developments and opportunities unfold in the District. I look forward to building upon these tremendous efforts and pursuing collaborative partnerships that drive our mission of creating a vibrant, safe, and prosperous District.”

Holcomb joined the CEIC in 2022, and her work has focused on supporting the Central Eastside during the City of Portland’s 90-day reset, finalizing a new safety contract for the District, hiring new staff and addressing administrative priorities. Before joining the team at CEIC, she led a decade-long career as an arts administrator, most recently at Seattle Children’s Theatre as the Director of External Relations.

Holcomb sits on the Venture Portland Board of Directors and the Central City Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Exploration Steering Committee and Business Retention Sub-Committee.

“The CEIC Board is pleased to announce that Carolyne Holcomb will be transitioning into a permanent role as Executive Director,” said Eric Cress, CEIC Board President. “During her time as interim director, we have been impressed by her exceptional leadership and operational expertise. Furthermore, her unwavering dedication to our District and the city of Portland are invaluable assets that will benefit the CEID and the city for years to come.”