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is beginning the process to hire a new executive director after the agency’s longtime leader, Kimberly Branam, gave notice that she will step down to accept another job.

Branam’s last day will be Sept. 27, the agency said in a news release. Branam has been hired as chief trade and economic development officer for the Port of Portland.

鈥淜imberly has done an outstanding job for Prosper Portland and our city, and the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners will meet soon to discuss next steps on the recruitment process,鈥� board Chair Tavo Cruz said in a prepared statement.

Prosper Portland’s board will discuss the hiring process at a meeting Wednesday. Hiring guidelines will be written, with a job description and salary, to guide the search. Prosper Portland will engage with an executive search firm to carry out the search.

A staff report says the agency has the goal of 鈥渆xtending an offer by the end of 2024.鈥�

鈥淭he search process will seek candidates with a strong understanding of and connection to the region, a proven ability to advance racial equity and expertise in inclusive economic development and urban redevelopment,鈥� the report from Prosper Portland general counsel Hope Whitney states.

Branam served as executive director of the city’s economic development agency for eight years. During that time, the agency has spearhead development in the former U.S. Postal Service site in Northwest Portland, rolled out numerous efforts to invest in diverse communities and shepherded development in neglected neighborhoods such as Lents.

Branam also played a key role discovering a contract provision relating to the long-empty Hill Block property in Lower Albina that was owned by Legacy Health. Negotiations eventually led Legacy to donate the property to a community-focused nonprofit group.

Branam makes $263,000 as executive director of Prosper Portland.