Head of Iris Network to step down
The Iris Network, a statewide nonprofit devoted to issues around blindness, said Wednesday its director plans to step down in early fall.
Jim Phipps told the board on Tuesday that he plans to retire as president and CEO by Sept. 15.
He said he chose the date to allow plenty of time to do conduct a national search for his successor.
He took over the post in January 2008 after two decades of practicing law in Portland.
He said he “enjoyed leading The Iris Network through nine years of highly rewarding growth and development, but the time is now right for the organization to select a new executive to guide its future.”
“The directors have a high degree of confidence in Jim [and] filling his shoes will be a significant challenge,” board chairman David Joyce said in a statement. “But the board is committed to undertake the work necessary to plan and conduct a national search this spring.”
Joyce credited Phipps for establishing “a strong strategic plan that lays a solid foundation for the future.”
Iris Network recently renovated the William J. Ryan Building, which dates to 1908 and was paid for with support from Helen Keller. It now houses a modern residential rehabilitation center.
The Iris Network, founded in 1905, helps people who are blind or visually impaired attain independence and community integration. It provides rehab services throughout the state. In Portland, it has the Iris Network Rehabilitation Center, as well as the Iris Park Apartments.
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