As the executive director of Williams & Russell CDC, Azalea Renfield, MPA, MPP, MS-HRM, oversees projects focused on honoring and uplifting the Black community in Portland, Oregon, by providing affordable housing, homeownership, and business opportunities. Ms. Renfield’s work is deeply rooted in restorative and reparative development, focusing on reversing the results of historical displacement. Since assuming the executive director role in 2024, she has been dedicated to ensuring project completion, securing funding, and building partnerships with local governments and nonprofits to benefit the community.
Ms. Renfield’s passion for public service is evident through her extensive education and professional trajectory. She holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, a Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco, and a Master of Science in human resources management from Golden Gate University. She also earned dual bachelor’s degrees in communications and American politics from UC San Diego in 2012 and an associate degree in communications from City College of San Francisco in 2009. These academic achievements laid the foundation for her human services and public administration work.
Before joining Williams & Russell CDC, Ms. Renfield held several key positions contributing to her community and economic development expertise. She was the economic development and housing manager for the City of Belmont, California, advancing housing initiatives. Before that, she was the assistant to the city manager in East Palo Alto, and her responsibilities included managing community services and spearheading policy efforts within the city manager’s office. Her experience also includes rent stabilization, eligibility analysis, and human resources, which have equipped her with a well-rounded understanding of public service dynamics.
Volunteer and leadership activities reflect Ms. Renfield’s commitment to civic engagement. She is the vice chair of the board of directors at the Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA and serves as a personnel commissioner for the County of Marin. As a member of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development’s Citizen’s Committee on Community Development, Ms. Renfield advocates for equitable housing policies. Her leadership extends to serving as president of the board of directors for Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, where she has been a driving force since 2015. She also founded the United Educators Association for Affordable Housing in 2013, which remains a cornerstone of her dedication to supporting teachers in securing affordable housing.
Ms. Renfield’s career highlights include receiving the Diverse & Equity Achievement Award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in 2024, recognizing her impact on promoting equity and inclusiveness in urban development. However, her greatest professional accomplishment is establishing the United Educators Association for Affordable Housing. This nonprofit organization was born from her time as a high school teacher witnessing her colleagues’ struggles with housing affordability. The organization’s launch brought together influential community leaders and politicians, bridging divides to support educators—a moment Ms. Renfield regards as her proudest achievement.
Ms. Renfield has consistently demonstrated her commitment to social graces, leadership, and service throughout her career. Raised by her grandmother, she attributes her values of responsibility, respect, and the importance of manners to her upbringing. These principles guide her approach to community development and her determination to foster improved collaboration among nonprofits, government entities, and chambers of commerce. Looking ahead, Ms. Renfield envisions herself as a city manager for a major city. She hopes to influence public policy and community outcomes further. She remains dedicated to her current project in Portland, set to conclude in 2027, and views this endeavor as a steppingstone toward her broader goals. Her aspirations include reinstating the significance of social etiquette in public discourse—a mission she believes is essential in today’s interconnected society.
Humility, a collaborative spirit, and a focus on learning mark Ms. Renfield’s approach. She challenges the conventional image of a development professional, bringing a unique perspective as someone from the Bay Area trusted with a significant project in Portland. She prides herself on building genuine connections, securing critical support, and approaching every task with openness and a willingness to learn. In her personal time, Ms. Renfield enjoys listening to the Patrick Bet-David Podcast, also known as the PBD Podcast, watching “The View,” dancing, and engaging in deep conversations with family and friends. She values moments of relaxation and connection, often finding joy in good food and the company of loved ones. Her hobbies reflect her dynamic personality, which blends intellectual curiosity with a love for community and social engagement.
Ms. Renfield believes her success stems from a relentless drive to achieve her goals. She has grown by upholding her dedication to community development and restorative justice, continuously finding ways to make meaningful contributions to the field. She is deeply involved in her work, consistently striving to set the tone for development projects, prioritizing community needs, and fostering lasting change. Her legacy is one of vision, service, and belief in the power of social grace. She aspires to be remembered as a leader who dedicated herself to improving her community through action, compassion, and a commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels respected and valued.
