Charles Jordan

On July 22, 2003 Charles Jordan, who served as a Director since 1989 and Vice Chairman for two years, was named Chairman of The Conservation Fund, a leading national conservation nonprofit. Charles Jordan is one of the most influential voices in conservation today. An outspoken proponent of our nation's parks, Mr. Jordan is nationally recognized both for his leadership and responsiveness to the diverse publics he serves. He has initiated and implemented successful programs in the areas of parks and recreation, human resources, public safety, neighborhood organizations, and the environment.

After a career in public service that spans 30 years, Mr. Jordan retired as the Director of the Portland (Oregon) Bureau of Parks and Recreation – a position he held for 14 years. In that role, he was responsible for managing almost 12,600 acres of parks and open space in the city. He announced his retirement shortly after city voters approved a $49 million levy for parks projects and improvements.

A Portland City Commissioner for ten years (1974-84), Mr. Jordan had also served as the Director of Parks and Recreation in Austin, Texas (1984-1989). Prior to that, he served as an Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant Director of Recreation and Special Events, and Recreation Supervisor, all in Palm Springs, Calif. Mr. Jordan was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors and was later appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the American Heritage River Program.

Mr. Jordan currently serves on the Board of the Land Trust Alliance. He has served on both the National Park System Advisory Board and National Forest Foundation Board and is a former Trustee of the African American Experience Fund of the National Park Foundation.

Jordan has been profiled on the Tavis Smiley Show, BET, CNN, and in Crisis Magazine.