Partner Highlight: Chris Nelson
In this continuing series, we are highlighting Partners and the skills they bring to the SVP Portland Partnership.
Chris Nelson is originally from Palo Alto, California and attended UC Davis where he studied economics and served as student body president. In 2002 he co-founded Capstone Partners, which has developed some landmark real estate projects in Portland that have contributed to neighborhood revival and livability. He brings the same passion to his philanthropic endeavors, through SVP and other community organizations. Chris and his wife Barbara have been SVP Partners since 2010 and over the years, Chris has brought his myriad skills and areas of expertise directly to our Community Partners.
Q: Why did you invest with SVP Portland?
A: My wife and I were originally drawn to SVP because of the Ready for Kindergarten goal, which prioritized children and families facing the greatest disparities in access to high-quality early learning experiences. More than that, though, it was the combination of a compelling social mission and a unique operating model that leverages human capital and financial resources to make meaningful change in our community.
Q: You were deeply engaged with former Community Partner KairosPDX. What about that organization spoke to you?
A: KairosPDX’s mission to eliminate the equity and opportunity gaps for Portland’s underserved kids and families of color hits right in my heart space! What was most rewarding, as an entrepreneur, was the opportunity to jump in at the beginning as a startup Board member and work with each of the amazing co-founders and other Board members. It has been 8 years since I joined the Board and it has been a great experience and a real privilege to be a part of something so special.
Q: How has SVP helped you make a bigger difference in the community?
A: SVP provides a unique platform and opportunity to plug into a greater network of people to help leverage greater impact in the community. I am a big believer in the power of aligning like-minded people to solve big problems. SVP is the best organization to do that in Portland.
Q: Are there ways that SVP has changed you?
A: SVP has inspired and enabled me to bring my business skills and experience and apply them to our Community Partners for meaningful social impact. That is both fun and very rewarding.
Q: In addition to giving back to the community, what is it that you hope to gain through your relationship with SVP?
A: I consider myself a lifelong learner. I am always learning something new when I interact and engage with other SVP Partners and Community Partners.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: My wife and I (and our dog Sherman) love to spend our free time in Hood River, where we have relocated our primary residence. I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, skiing, drinking amazing craft beer and wine, and just hanging out in the Gorge. I still commute into Portland most Tuesdays – Thursdays and love to come back into the big city for work! Our young adult children both live in Salt Lake City and have started their careers there. We love to get in our campervan and drive to Utah for outdoor adventure and to see our kids whenever they will have us!