Introducing Interim Executive Director Chrissy McNair!

PHAME is thrilled to introduce our Interim Executive Director, Chrissy McNair! Chrissy stepped into this role in late August and is already an integral member of our office team.

Chrissy has served on the PHAME board for the last five years, the last two serving as board Chair. Chrissy is the former Director of Employment Services at Embracing Autism (Columbus, OH) where she led the organization to find meaningful employment for adults experiencing developmental disabilities. She has also served on a number of boards and committees, including Autism Living (Columbus, OH), The Autism Society of Nebraska, FEAT of Nebraska, The Munroe Meyer Institute’s Autism Center Strategic Planning Committee, and the CDC’s State Act Early Team.

Chrissy is mother to three boys, one of whom is a young adult on the Autism Spectrum. She is passionate about expanding opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the arts and beyond.

Chrissy writes, “I found PHAME online years ago when my family and I were still living in Ohio and I was working to start an art school for autistic adults. When we decided to move to Portland a few years later, PHAME was my first phone call. I was so impressed with everyone at PHAME. Their passion for their students and commitment to consistently raising the bar was like music to my ears, and I was hooked. I knew my son could be part of this amazing program, and I wanted to give as much energy as I could to this program that makes such a difference for so many people. I've had the privilege of serving on the board for the last five years, and when I was asked to step in as interim ED, there was no question. I'm honored to lead PHAME into this next chapter, I can’t wait to see what PHAME does next, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this vibrant creative community.”

You can give Chrissy a warm welcome at our Purple Party on Thursday, October 16 (new date!) at the Jack London Revue! Or look for her on campus when we kick off Fall Term.