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11-23-2024 5:08 am • PDX and SEA Weather
MLK Breakfast
After more than seven years of significant growth at Cascade AIDS Project’s (CAP), CEO TerMeer, Ph.D., will be leaving to share his expertise and vision for supporting the LGBTQ+ community and all those impacted by HIV as the newly appointed CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. (SFAF) he the first BIPOC person to serve in this role in SFAF’s nearly 40-year history. His last day at CAP will be January 28.
“I’m so proud to have been part of CAP’s efforts to help those with HIV and AIDS get their lives back together, secure housing, find essential medical care and deal with huge emotional, mental and financial challenges,” said TerMeer. “I’ve been a supporter of SFAF for over a decade and this is an amazing opportunity to continue my life’s work helping those impacted by HIV.”
CAP has been fighting the HIV epidemic and supporting the LGBTQ+ community for more than three decades. It’s the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and SW Washington. Over more than seven years, TerMeer oversaw the expansion of CAP’s service sites from one to seven across two states, increased staff from 55 to 185 and grew the budget from $6 million to $24 million annually.
“To watch this organization blossom into a healthcare leader in Oregon and Southwest Washington with Tyler at the helm is incredible and solidifies that care centered around LGBTQIA+ communities can lead to valuable change,” said CAP Board President Karol Collymore. “I'm sad to see him leave but so proud of his next professional journey.”
CAP’s rapid growth during TerMeer’s tenure highlights the ongoing need in the community. The launch of Prism Health, Oregon’s premiere LGBTQ+ health center, provided affirming and welcoming primary care. In response to COVID-19, CAP partnered with Esther’s Pantry to address food insecurity, and increased emergency rental assistance and medical motel vouchers. Recently, CAP championed the Data Justice Act and made Oregon the first state to require data collection of a patient’s race, ethnicity, language, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity to help address health disparities. And on January 1 the merger with Our House of Portland was completed, which will consolidate resources to enable greater assistance to those living with HIV in Oregon and SW Washington.
TerMeer departs CAP with a clear strategic, equity and business growth plan for Prism Health. Emily Gilliland will serve as the interim CEO while the CAP Board of Directors conducts a national search for the next CEO. The search committee will include members of CAP staff, stakeholders and the LGBTQIA+ community. The goal is to hire a new CEO by the Fall of 2022.
“CAP is poised to continue its momentum and growth as it continues to build new and enhance existing programs and services while continuing to be responsive to the impacts of COVID-19 and Racial Reckoning in Oregon and SW Washington,” said TerMeer. “Although I’ll miss the wonderful community here in the NW, I know that CAP is in good hands with our dedicated team of leaders, staff, donors and supporters.”
Emily Gilliland will serve as the interim CEO while the CAP Board of Directors conducts a national search for the next CEO. The search committee will include members of CAP staff, stakeholders and the LGBTQIA+ community. The goal is to hire a new CEO by the fall of 2022.
