ERICA MILLS SELECTED AS NEIGHBORWORKS UMPQUA CEO

September 7, 2021 3:50 a.m.

NeighborWorks Umpqua has appointed Erica Mills as its new chief executive officer.

A release said Mills, a local resident who has served for three years as a program area director for the non-profit, was offered the position after a nationwide search and interview process. The release said Mills will lead the organization in its mission to provide financial opportunity and housing stability by cultivating solid partnerships and strategic investments. As previously planned, interim CEO Betty Tamm will return to her retirement.

Tamm said, “Erica rose to the top after a nationwide search, but as an internal candidate, she knows NWU’s programs, projects and obligations”. Tamm said Mills has excellent leadership skill and understands the staff strengths. Tamm said, “She is already affecting the culture of a company in a positive way, and her connections to the community will help build trust”.

The release said Mills has over 20 years of experience managing operations for regional mortgage companies in Oregon, Washington and Minnesota. She has also owned and operated a small lending business. Mills joined NWU in early 2019 as a homeownership center director and advanced in 2020 to director of community lending.

Mills serves on the board of Umpqua Community College, having first been elected in 2019.

The decision to hire Mills was unanimous, according to Randall Mason, NeighborWorks Umpqua’s board chair.