Suggestions
Oscar Arana
Community Development Director at NAYA Family Center
Oscar Arana is a dynamic and accomplished leader currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) in Portland, Oregon.13 He assumed this permanent role in July 2024 after serving as the interim CEO for over a year.3
Career at NAYA
Arana has been with NAYA for over 14 years, holding various leadership positions:
- Chief Executive Officer (July 2024 - Present)
- Interim Chief Executive Officer (July 2023 - July 2024)
- Community Development Director (April 2017 - July 2023)
- Director of Strategic Development and Communications
- Education Manager
As Community Development Director, Arana led initiatives to provide affordable housing for Native Americans in the Portland region.4 He increased NAYA's affordable housing portfolio from 93 to 258 units and grew the Community Development Department from 9 to 30 employees.1
Achievements and Recognition
- Recognized as a Star Player by Housing Oregon in 2021 for his work on multi-unit developments in Portland's Cully neighborhood4
- Spearheaded efforts to provide affordable Native housing, including two tribal preference projects, the first of their kind outside a reservation setting in Oregon2
- Increased the Community Development Department's operating budget from ~$1M to $6M+ by raising additional grant revenue and securing new contracts1
Background and Education
- Chichimeca heritage3
- Graduate of the University of Oregon's Executive MBA program and School of Journalism2
- Prior experience includes working for Oregon US Senator Ron Wyden, television news production in Yakima, Washington, and reporting for the Associated Press in Mexico City2
Oscar Arana is known for his strategic thinking, fundraising abilities, and dedication to improving community outcomes, particularly for Native American youth and families in the Portland metro area.123



