Celebrating Leadership: Oscar Arana Selected as Permanent CEO of NAYA
We are thrilled to announce that after an extensive national search, Oscar Arana (Chichimeca) has been appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA).
Oscar has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to the mission and values of NAYA. His tenure over the past year as Interim CEO has been marked by significant achievements in advancing the organization’s goals, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing programs that support Native American youth and families.
“NAYA continues to be an organization that invests in its people. Time and time again we prove the benefit of this investment as we model a self-sustaining, empowered community that believes in itself,” said Molly Washington (N’dee/Apache), Chair of the Board of Directors. “Oscar’s growth within NAYA and his commitment to the organization, which has now culminated in his new role as the permanent CEO, exemplifies our cultural values around reciprocity, servant leadership, and community. It is an honor and a blessing to have Oscar continue in the role of CEO, ensuring that our work moves forward seamlessly, with creativity, sophistication, passion, and heart.”
“I am honored and humbled by the trust the Board has placed in me and the community leaders who encouraged me to pursue this role,” said Oscar. “I look forward to continue partnering with the board, our dedicated staff, clients, elders, community members and partners so NAYA continues being a nationally recognized model for serving the Native American community.”
Meet Oscar Arana
Oscar brings more than 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, community development, and advocacy. Before stepping into the role of Interim CEO, he served as Director of Community Development at NAYA, where he played a crucial role in in expanding community prosperity programs and housing and business development opportunities, including affordable housing development.
Oscar served as the interim Chief Executive Officer at NAYA for just over a year. He has worked at NAYA for more than 14 years in various leadership roles including Community Development Director, Director of Development and Communications, and Education Manager.
As the Director of Community Development (CD), NAYA’s affordable housing portfolio nearly tripled to 282 units and established the first tribal leasing housing preference policy outside a reservation setting in the Pacific Northwest. Under his leadership, the CD Department grew from nine employees to nearly 40 within four years, requiring the creation of the Housing and Stabilization Services Department, which added more capacity and focus for NAYA’s growing housing services.
Oscar brings more than 18 years of experience working in culturally specific, community-based organizations including the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, and El Programa Hispano. He worked for Oregon US Senator Ron Wyden, as his Multnomah County Field Director, he was a television news producer in Yakima, Washington, and reporter for the Associated Press in Mexico City.
Oscar was appointed by Governor Brown to the Oregon Health Policy Board where he served for seven years, four of which as the Chair/Vice-Chair. Oscar is a graduate of the University of Oregon’s Executive MBA program and School of Journalism and Communications.
Community Leadership Testimonials
Oscar Arana’s appointment has been met with enthusiastic support from community leaders and members:
“NAYA is in great hands with the steady leadership of Oscar Arana. He has a proven track record of success along with his impressive dedication to Portland’s Native community. I’m so pleased to see that NAYA’s momentum of deep investments in Native community will continue for many years to come,” said Paul Lumley (Citizen of the Yakama Nation), CEO of the Cascade AIDS Project and NAYA’s previous CEO.
“Oscar Arana brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to our community’s well-being. As a lifelong community member, I am honored to welcome him as CEO of the NAYA Family Center, where his vision and dedication will undoubtedly propel us forward.”
Se-ah-dom Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce, and Yakama) Executive Director, Seeding Justice
“Throughout NARA NW we are so excited to learn that Oscar Arana is the new CEO of NAYA! Oscar has proven his leadership and I am looking forward to continuing to strengthen our strong collaborations, particularly in housing, that will benefit our community. Congratulations to NAYA and our community!”
Jackie Mercer, CEO, Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest
“I am very pleased with the selection of Oscar Arana as the CEO of NAYA. His knowledge and expertise were instrumental in implementing the two affordable housing partnerships, Nesika Illahee and Mamook Tokatee, in NE Portland. I’m excited for the future of NAYA under his leadership.”
Sami Jo Difuntorum, Executive Director, Siletz Tribal Housing Department
“I would like to extend a big congratulations to Oscar Arana for being selected by the Board of Directors as the new CEO of NAYA! Oscar totally stepped up as the interim CEO and his leadership shined. I admire his dedication and service to the community, and I know that his vision will continue to bring the best for the youth, families, and elders. As a community partner, I look forward to supporting Oscar and NAYA in the valuable services they provide to our people.”
Jillene Joseph (A’aniiih), Executive Director, Native Wellness Institute