We are here to start something

Andy Nelson
Chief Executive Officer

Andy Nelson joined Big Brothers Big Sisters in April 2012 for his "dream job" as Chief Executive Officer. "Big Brothers Big Sisters ignites my passion for helping children and volunteering," says Andy, who spent nearly 10 years as Executive Director of Hands On Greater Portland. In his role, Andy leads the organization towards its goal of doubling its impact in the next few years.

At Hands On, Andy turned a start up into the volunteer hub for the Portland region, ranked second in the nation for volunteering. He previously worked as a development director, social worker and newspaper reporter. A native of New England, Andy earned a master's in social work from the University of Connecticut.

Andy's community involvement includes mentoring as a Big Brother as well as the Portland Parks Board and the advisory board for Partners in Diversity, the folks who produce the Say Hey! networking event. Andy lives in Northeast Portland with his wife, Kathleen, and son, Evan.

Tricia Blackburn
Executive Projects Manager & Human Resources

Tricia Blackburn, Executive Projects Manager, is responsible for projects, both short and long-term. Ms. Blackburn's background is in education. She holds a Master's in Education and is a K - 12 licensed Oregon administrator. She has taught, and been a principal, in both parochial and public school settings, including four years with a state-wide public virtual charter school.

After thirty-two years in education, Ms. Blackburn joined the agency in November 2010 and looks forward to positively impacting the lives of our local children. Ms. Blackburn and husband, Gary, are a Big Couple. They have a grown son, Eric, who lives in Corvallis, Oregon.

Robert Cook
Chief Financial Officer

Rob Cook is the Chief Financial Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, joining the team in September 2010.

He brings to the organization a variety of business experience accumulated during a career that encompasses engineering, public accounting, and financial and operational management. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a graduate degree from Santa Clara University.

Mr. Cook contributes his time to other non-profit organizations, including the Connecting Communities Coalition, which is an advocacy group to advance the cause of people with disabilities, and the Portland Chapter of the TCA, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of toy trains.

When not “counting beans”, Mr. Cook enjoys a variety of activities, including bicycling, basketball, sailing, kayaking, skiing and playing guitar.

Patricia Edge
Vice President of Programs

Patricia Edge, LCSW, brings over 26 years of experience in clinical leadership for non-profit organizations providing mental health services to children, adults and families. She has extensive experience in program development and operations management. She holds a Master’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida and is licensed to provide mental health services in Oregon.

Ms. Edge provides broad program supervision and direction. She supervises all program staff and works with the leadership team on growth and quality initiatives.

Al Sigala
Vice President of Community Relations and Diversity Programs

Al Sigala has nearly 25 years experience in community relations, media relations and public relations in the Portland metropolitan area, and currently serves as Vice President of Community Relations and Diversity Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest. Under his direction are the agency’s community outreach, public relations and marketing efforts.

Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mr. Sigala served as the Director of Media & Public Relations for Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) in Gresham, Oregon. His responsibilities included overseeing the college’s public relations, marketing and media relations strategies.

Mr. Sigala also has extensive experience as a broadcast journalist. He last worked as a news reporter at Portland television station KATU in Portland, Oregon. He also worked on projects in conjunction with ABC News, NBC News, CNN and ESPN.

Mr. Sigala continues to play an active role in the community and currently serves as a member of the board of the Public Relations Society of America, a former board member and current member of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, President of the Troutdale Booster Club, a member of the Gresham Chamber of Commerce and West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce. He is also a Big Brother.

In 2001 he was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Troutdale Lion’s Club for his work with the Latino community. He has also received numerous awards for his public relations and marketing efforts.

Leslie Tuomi
Chief Development Officer

Leslie Tuomi joined the staff as Chief Development Officer in February 2011. Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ms. Tuomi worked as a fundraiser for the Oregon Symphony for 15 years and for the last three years served as their Vice President for Development. Ms. Tuomi has enjoyed a long career in arts administration, including serving as Executive Director for the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency.

Ms. Tuomi's goal for Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest is to double the agency's contributed income in an effort to expand its services to many more children in our region. She oversees a skilled development team who raise funds for the organization through events, grants, membership, corporate sponsorships, community ambassador groups and the Children’s Council.

Ms. Tuomi graduated magna cum laude from Lewis & Clark College and earned her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) in 2010. Ms. Tuomi is an active community volunteer, primarily with school causes, the arts, her sons’ activities, and her Little Sister, Sophia.