| Richard C. Alexander |
|
Richard C. ("Dick") Alexander is a business leader and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to the quality of life in Oregon. At age 29, and with modest initial capital, Mr. Alexander founded Viking Industries, Inc., which grew to be one of the West's leading manufacturers of windows and doors. He also founded Viking International, Inc., a successful exporter of specialty foods. Mr. Alexander has served as chairman of the board of Associated Oregon Industries and on the board of the Portland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of the Citizens Crime Commission. He currently serves as chairman of the board of Capital Pacific Bank and conducts business as Alexander Investment Co.
Alexander's long-standing commitment to education is well-known. Concordia University recently awarded its honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LL.D.) to Alexander for his significant contribution to education and to improving the quality of life in Oregon. He presently serves as vice-chairman of the board of Marylhurst University and has served as president of the board of Oregon Episcopal School and on the boards of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and Innovation Partnership. He is dedicated to programs that give youth the skills to succeed in life. Alexander served as president of the Cascade Pacific Council and the Metropolitan Group of Councils in the Western Region of the Boy Scouts of America and serves on the board of the Children's Institute. Mr. Alexander's policy advocacy is focused on directing resources where they can make the greatest difference: early childhood. Through leadership and personal contributions, Mr. Alexander has made a lasting impact on the lives of children in Oregon. Most notably, as architect and leader of the Ready for School campaign, he has leveraged the power of business and civic leaders to secure millions of dollars in additional funding for Oregon Head Start Prekindergarten and Early Head Start. As a result, more than 3,000 additional at-risk children are enrolled in a high-quality early education program. Mr. Alexander, through his leadership of the Ready for School campaign, continues his efforts to bring early childhood education firmly into the mainstream of education in Oregon. In 2000, Mr. Alexander's work on the Citizens Crime Commission's landmark "KIIDS Report," was recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation with the Director's Community Leadership Award. In 2011, Mr. Alexander and his wife, Carilyn, received the DePreist Award for Excellence from Volunteers of America Oregon. Mr. Alexander is called upon frequently to address business, civic, government and philanthropic leaders about the economic and social benefits of investing early in the lives of children. Leading national organizations such as The Pew Center on the States and Partnership for America's Economic Success have recognized Mr. Alexander as a business champion for early childhood. All of these activities have not kept Dick from finding time to explore the world with Carilyn and daughters Courtney and Whitney. |