MICHAEL MCELWEE
Michael McElwee contributes to the Jensen Strategies team, with particular emphasis in the areas of strategic planning, capital asset management, area revitalization, real estate development, urban renewal, policy development and management recruitment.
Michael currently serves part-time as Executive Director for the Hood River County Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 that provides funding for college scholarships, teacher grants and efforts to improve student access to extra-curricular activities. Michael retired in 2022 after serving for 16 years as Executive Director for the Port of Hood River where he managed a diverse portfolio that included the Hood River Interstate Toll Bridge, Ken Jernstedt Airfield, high-use recreational facilities and several office and light industrial parks. A particular focus of the Port’s economic development efforts during his tenure was the revitalization of the Hood River Waterfront. Michael formerly served for 14 years as Development Manager for the Portland Development Commission, the city’s urban renewal agency. In that position, he led numerous planning, capital construction and neighborhood revitalization efforts on Portland’s east side. Michael holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Oregon and a Certificate of Special Studies in Administration & Management from Harvard University.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys recreational pursuits throughout the Columbia River Gorge including backpacking, skiing and trail running. He is also active as a backyard beekeeper and serves as a volunteer in several capacities for the Hood River County School District.