Dear Friends,
August is often viewed as a transition month, but for leaders, it’s an opportunity month. Successful organizations don’t wait for fall to begin planning for the future. They use this moment to evaluate readiness, align leadership, and make the strategic decisions that position their teams for a strong finish to the year. The advantage isn’t created when everyone returns after Labor Day. It’s created by the leaders who start preparing before then.
We Ask, What does Hiring for Good Mean to You?
“Hiring for Good means it needs to be good for both parts. It needs to be good for the company who’s hiring. It needs to be good for the person who’s hired, and I think it’s really important to define what that is. It’s important to define it for us as a company, what is a good hire, what does this mean, and then it’s also important to define it for the candidate.”
Watch the entire Hiring for Good interview with Anja Taylor
Acumen Out & About
Sherwood Area Chamber of Commerce Forest Cup! Helped run for the 3rd year in a row. Favorite event with my favorite people! ⛳️
Means so much to support our hard-working local businesses & Chamber! SOLD OUT on all fronts.
Wonderful Say Hey multicultural networking event by Partners in Diversity at Clark College!
Welcoming professionals of color who are new to Oregon & SW Washington. Connecting them with community leaders, peers, and organizations that make the region feel like home.
Beautiful entertainment, food, and people as always!
Leadership Tip
Article: Prepared, Not Paralyzed
Every Business Is One Unexpected Event Away from a Major Disruption.
A Placement to Relieve the Pressure of Growth
Acumen Executive Search is proud to congratulate Mike Murawski on his appointment as Executive Director of Explore Washington Park, the nonprofit partnership dedicated to improving transportation and mobility, visitor services, organizational and financial sustainability, and collaborative stewardship across one of Oregon’s most iconic public destinations.
The search focused on identifying a leader who could strengthen transportation operations, improve visitor access and experience, expand fundraising and earned revenue opportunities, cultivate strategic partnerships, and work collaboratively to address both current and long-term priorities — including reliable shuttle service, parking and mobility solutions, and the evolving needs of Washington Park’s millions of annual visitors.
Reflecting on Explore Washington Park’s unique governance model, the search brought together executive leaders from the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum, Metro, TriMet, Portland Parks & Recreation, the City of Portland, Travel Portland, neighborhood associations, and other community partners. Acumen was honored to facilitate a collaborative search process that balanced these diverse perspectives while maintaining a shared focus on identifying the right leader for the organization’s future.
“Mike has quickly established himself as a strong ambassador for Explore Washington Park. He is doing great work in media interviews, staff engagement, and supporting board transitions, and he brings a clear and focused 3-, 6-, and 12-month plan that reflects strong leadership and direction. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
— Heidi Rahn, Executive Director, Oregon Zoo
Mike reflected on his experience working with Acumen, sharing, “Acumen was highly responsive and professional throughout the search process. I appreciated their partnership, executive coaching, candid feedback, and strategic perspective. Their guidance helped me focus on what mattered most as I prepared for this unique leadership opportunity.”
Congratulations to Mike and the Explore Washington Park Board and its many partners. We were honored to support this important leadership transition and look forward to the organization’s continued success under Mike’s leadership.
If you would like to sign up to receive our newsletter, send an email to info@AcumenESearch.com.