Kay D. Toran

President/Chief Executive Officer and Board Member

For over 20 years, I’ve proudly been at the helm of this Volunteers of America affiliate which has been in operation in Oregon for over 125 years, providing impactful, outcomes-based programs designed to help improve the lives of children, families, and seniors. After graduating from the University of Portland with a BA in Sociology/Psychology, I continued my education at Portland State University earning an MSW from the School of Social Work and later was hired by Portland State University as an Assistant Professor of Social Work. I served in several management positions in the State of Oregon including 6 years as the Director of Oregon’s Child Welfare agency and 7 years as the Director of Oregon’s Affirmative Action Office under Governor Vic Atiyeh. Currently, I serve on the Board of Regents of the University of Portland.

I have had the great honor of receiving numerous awards during my career; such as an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Portland; the Urban Pioneer Award from Portland State University; the CEO of the Year for Non-Profits from the Portland Business Journal; Ecumenist of the Year Award from Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon; the Award for Excellence from the State Management Association of the State of Oregon, the Vic Atiyeh Award for Excellence in Education from Concordia University; and the Sandra McDonough Leadership Award from the Portland Business Alliance. Mayor Sam Adams also named a “Kay Toran Appreciation Day” acknowledging my leadership contributions made to the community. My community service has included serving on several non-profit Boards of Directors.