James Francesconi

James L. Francesconi
c/o Haglund Kelley, LLP
101 SW Main St, Ste 1800
Portland, OR 97204-3226

Phone: 503.225.0777
Fax: 503.225.1257

James L. Francesconi was appointed to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in February 2007.  Francesconi is currently an attorney with the law firm of Haglund, Kelley, Horngren, Jones, and Wilder LLP, and has an extensive background in community and public leadership.

Francesconi is well known as a champion of all levels of education from K-12 to higher education. He is a co-founder of Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN), which provides before- and after-school programs, and the Portland Workforce Alliance, which partners employers with high schools providing mentorships and work experience.  He serves as a member of the United Way Board, McDonald Center Board, the Portland Business Alliance’s Education Committee, and the Portland Regional Business Plan Task Force.

Francesconi served as a city commissioner on the Portland City Council for two terms, from 1997 to 2004, managing Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Department of Transportation, and Fire and Emergency Services. For 18 years he successfully ran a litigation firm which he founded, during which time he also became a leader in the social justice-based Portland Organizing Project, and founded the Youth Employment Empowerment Coalition.

Francesconi received a B.A. in Humanities from Stanford University, and his J.D. from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar.

Mr. Francesconi's term expires in 2012.

Committees: elected as Board vice president for 2008-09, Executive Committee, and the Committee on Portland Higher Education (chair).