PORTLAND , OR —Equity Foundation has appointed Peter Cunningham as Executive Director, effective April 19, 2010.  Cunningham received his Master’s Degree from the London School of Economics at University of London and his B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University.

Cunningham’s career has spanned the corporate, public, and nonprofit sectors.   Recently he was the Division Manager of Business and Industry at the Portland Development Commission.   Prior to that, he was in leadership roles in public agencies including the States of New York, North Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“I am excited about the opportunity to promote Equity’s diversity agenda!” said Cunningham.  “Over the next six months, I will be focusing my efforts at increasing major workplace giving and donor funding for the Foundation.   I will be meeting with key partners as well to find ways to collaborate and support LGBT initiatives throughout the State.   I want to upgrade our website as well as to launch a new State-wide awards program recognizing Oregon companies and organizations that are leaders in promoting diversity in the workplace.”   He brings years of rich experience as a manager on broad-ranging topics including education, international business, and the arts.

Equity Foundation works to eradicate prejudice towards sexual and gender minorities in Oregon. By working with philanthropic donors and nonprofit partners, Equity Foundation funds change and changes attitudes through grants and scholarship opportunities. Founded in 1989, the Foundation has awarded thousands of grants aimed at grassroots community change initiatives, throughout Oregon of just under $4 Million.   During the last fiscal year, it awarded roughly $320,000 in grants and related programs.

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