Michael Alexander received a BA in Sociology from Lewis University (1972) and a master’s degree from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (1975). He is a founding member of the board of the Albina Vision Trust since its inception in 2015 and has served as the Chair of the Board since 2024. Alexander is also board chair of the Black United Fund, the former President and CEO of the Urban League of Portland and has served as a Commissioner for the Portland Planning Commission and was appointed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown for 8 years to the Port of Portland Commission in 2016.
A distinguished leader in the fields of healthcare administration, civil rights advocacy, and urban development, Michael Alexander’s extensive experience in navigating complex organizational landscapes and championing community equity has gained him widespread recognition in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
As Chair of the Albina Vision Trust, Alexander supports their restorative effort to reconnect a historic neighborhood severed by I-5 in the 1970s, guiding the organization’s mission to ensure that marginalized communities are reflected in the built environment. He has helped the Albina Vision Trust secure millions for a project driven by the radical idea that connection is capital and community can heal, stewarding a vision where future generations thrive in spaces built for families, businesses, and civic life. Prior to this, as President and CEO of the Urban League of Portland (2012–2015), Alexander led one of the area’s oldest African American service and civil rights organizations. During his tenure, he was dedicated to improving the lives of African Americans and underserved communities by working to achieve equality in education, health care, employment, and economic stability. His transformative leadership style is rooted in his early work as a student activist, where he facilitated dialogue to diversify campus curriculum and faculty, developing a lifelong commitment to environments that welcome difference.
In addition to his civic leadership, Alexander is known for a successful career as a healthcare industry executive, having held leadership roles at major corporations including Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Magellan Behavioral Health, and Aetna. He currently serves on the board of Providence Health Plans.
In 1994, Alexander received the Alumni Achievement Award for Leadership from his alma mater in recognition of his professional success and perseverance. He has actively served as chair of the boards of the American Leadership Forum of Oregon, and the Northwest Health Foundation, as well as membership on the community boards for Wells Fargo and BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon.
