The Architecture Foundation of Oregon has found its next executive director. Claire Blaylock will take over the position currently held by Jane Jarrett, who will retire in November after 16 years with the organization

Blaylock was chosen from a pool of 20 candidates from across the country, said Stefanie Becker, vice president of the AFO board and and a member of search committee.  The committee was made up of current and past members of the organization as well as stakeholders.

“The diversity of our search committee was incredibly valuable when evaluating the candidates and coming to Claire,” Becker said.

Blaylock has spent the past two years as the executive director of the Clackamas County Historical Society, expanding institutional programming, establishing partnerships and developing plans for growth. She also managed the Museum of the Oregon Territory and the Stevens-Crawford Heritage House in Oregon City.

Her experience includes communications and fundraising, skills she honed while serving as president of the Oregon Museums Association.

Becker said that Blaylock’s ability to spread AFO’s message to a younger audience was a big part of the reason she got the job. The AFO board unanimously voted to ratify Blaylock’s selection to the post.

“She was really an exceptional candidate,” said Becker, who is director of integrated design for McCarthy Building Cos. “She has a lot of potential as a leader.”

Blaylock will assume the AFO position in November, when Jarrett’s resignation goes into effect.

During Jarrett’s time with AFO, the organization has grown from one employee to four paid staff members. Under Jarrett’s leadership, AFO also boosted its fundraising efforts and established the Architects in Schools program, which annually connects Oregon building professionals with more than 4,500 students in the Portland-metro area.

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