THE TEAM
The Heart Behind the Restoration
We bring decades of professional expertise in law, finance, development, communications, and community organizing. But more than credentials, we bring personal legacy. Many of us have family stories intertwined with the very blocks we're restoring. This isn't just a job—it's our responsibility to the ancestors who came before and the generations who will inherit what we build today.
Karis Stoudamire Phillips
Vice Chair
Karis Stoudamire-Phillips, a native of Portland, is the Vice President of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Community Initiatives at Moda Health and Delta Dental of Oregon. Her focus areas are to one, develop, direct and implement the community engagement strategy and action plan throughout Oregon and Alaska; and two, to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce and corporate culture, plus coordinate efforts to insure product offerings across all businesses meet the needs of a diverse customer population. In addition Karis serves as the relationship manager of the company’s signature statewide community-building partnership with the Portland Trail Blazers. Prior to joining Moda, Karis was the Corporate Relations Officer with the Legacy Health Foundations and prior was the Foundation Administrator at Damon Stoudamire, Inc.
With her extensive background in public affairs, marketing and non-profit management, Karis currently serves as Chair of the Multnomah Exposition Recreation Commissioner (MERC), Oregon Community Foundation Board, Boise Neighborhood Association Treasurer, Children’s Cancer Association Ambassador Board, De La Salle North Catholic High School Board, Oregon Community Foundation Metro Leadership Council Chair, Pioneer Courthouse Square Board, Williams & Russell CDC Board, Portland Rose Festival Foundation Board of Directors and the St. Mary’s Academy Board. She is also a proud member of The Portland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Karis graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology/Child Development and earned her master’s in public affairs from Washington State University. Karis is very happily married to Mike Phillips, a world-renowned jazz saxophonist, and they are the proud parents of 14 year-old, Michael, Jr. and 9 year-old Tyson. Karis enjoys traveling, enjoying the arts in all forms and spending time with family and friends.
