Portland Issues is Better Portland’s lunchtime panel series bringing together local leaders for focused conversations on the issues shaping our city.
This month, we’re joined by Cornell Wesley of Prosper Portland for an inside look at current priorities, opportunities, and challenges impacting Portland’s economic development.
Join us for an engaging discussion, fresh insights, and the opportunity to connect with others invested in Portland’s future.
12:00 – Conversation with Cornell Wesley, Executive Director | Prosper Portland
12:30 – Q&A
Cornell Wesley is a visionary C-suite executive with over 20 years of leadership experience driving economic growth, business expansion, and strategic development across public and private sectors.
A leader in economic development, finance, and corporate strategy, he specializes in high-impact investments, workforce expansion, and public-private partnerships that leverage innovation and inclusive economic growth.
As Executive Director of Prosper Portland, the economic and urban development agency for the City of Portland, Cornell leads the city’s work growing family-wage jobs, advancing opportunities for prosperity, and collaborating with partners to create vibrant neighborhoods and communities.
Prior to his role at Prosper Portland, Cornell held a number of executive and advisory positions where he shaped national and regional economic strategies. He led economic development efforts in Oklahoma and Northeast Texas for the US Department of Commerce and most recently served as Chief Economic Development Officer for the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity (IEO), where he drove initiatives that resulted in a $2 billion economic impact and $1.2 billion in new growth investments. Under his leadership, IEO played a pivotal role in transforming Birmingham’s business landscape by securing major corporate investments, expanding workforce opportunities, and establishing a thriving innovative ecosystem.
Cornell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Morehouse College, an MBA from Mercer University, and a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.
Cornell is committed to transforming communities and driving economic resilience. He enjoys spending time with his family, mentoring emerging leaders, and reading to research new innovative ideas.