Robert W. Donaldson, Business & Immigration Attorney, Black Helterline LLP
Mr. Donaldson served for four years as the firm's Managing Partner, overseeing all aspects of operations and long-term strategic planning. Mr. Donaldson maintains an active practice in business and corporate law including business formation, acquisitions, reorganization and strategic planning. Mr. Donaldson’s immigration practice focuses on business related immigration issues. He assists individuals and corporations in obtaining nonimmigrant visas. He has extensive experience with consular processing, citizenship and naturalization. Mr. Donaldson has been successful in establishing other Regional Centers. Mr. Donaldson has practiced immigration law since 1974. He is one of the founding members of the Oregon Chapter of American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He has served as Chapter Chair as well as serving on the Board of Directors of AILA. He also served as Vice President of the ABA Committee on Immigration Law. As Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea from 1996-2006, Mr. Donaldson successfully took the lead in resolving international disputes involving the Republic of Korea. He is listed in the Best Lawyers in America, Who's Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers, and the Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers.
Abe Farkas, Economic Consultant
Mr. Farkas is the development services director with ECONorthwest. Mr. Farkas operates at the intersection of public and private interests to implement mutually beneficial, sustainable redevelopment and economic development strategies and projects. Mr. Farkas has more than three decades of experience in structuring successful partnerships that have revitalized urban neighborhoods, downtowns, business districts and university environments, and have assisted private as well as non-profit developers, property owners and businesses in achieving their project objectives. He played a lead role in redevelopment of Portland’s $350 million Brewery Blocks and led the public sector team in crafting and implementing the city’s largest smart growth, economic development project in Portland, the $2 billion mixed-use South Waterfront redevelopment.
Lawrence W. Stover Jr., Certified Public Accountant
Lawrence Stover is commonly asked to consult with businesses regarding their financial plans. He holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Oregon State University, graduated with Honors and was recognized as the top Accounting graduate for the decade of the 1970’s. Lawrence has served as Adjunct instructor of accounting at Oregon State University, has taught Tax classes to C.P.A.’s and other licensed Tax consultants and is qualified as an Expert Witness on business and accounting issues. Honors held by Mr. Stover include; Phi Kappa Phi honorary, Beta Gama Sigma business honorary, Beta Alpha Psi accounting honorary and the Elijah Watt Sells honorary mention for high scores on Certified Public Accountant exam.
Cecilia Shang Benting, Asian Director & Investor Relations
Having practiced immigration law in Shanghai, Beijing, New York and Portland, Oregon, Cecilia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to CWI along with extensive contacts in China and the Chinese community here in Portland, Oregon. Cecilia is fluent in Mandarin and will be responsible for CWI’s operations in Asia.
Robert McAllister – CEO & CFO
Founded Columbia Willamette Investments, LLC. and since has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. As CEO Mr. McAllister oversees all the daily operations of the company and will take the lead role in evaluating the feasibility of investments as well as the management of strategic planning. Robert McAllister is an Oregon native and for over 30 years has been an active and successful member of the Portland business community. He attended Oregon State University where he earned his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Business Administration concentrating on Finance as well as membership in Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting Fraternity. Mr. McAllister also minored in Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering and Science.
Michael Summers – Operations Analyst & Marketing Director
Mr. Summers will be responsible for assisting in evaluating the feasibility of investments, reviewing all documentation, internal audit of CWI’s systems & operations and tracking of investor’s funds. He will also be in charge of development and implementation of CWI’s marketing plans. Mr. Summers earned his Bachelor’s degree in business focusing on finance/law and his Masters of Business Administration degree specializing in Real Estate. Over his 30 plus years working in the Portland business community Mr. Summers has had extensive experience with tenant leasing having owned and operated property management companies as well as building, owning and operating office buildings, retail spaces and car washes.
Randy Lake –Project Auditor/ Construction
With Mr. Lake’s considerable experience in all facets of construction he will be responsible for onsite inspection of those investments associated with construction activities. He will monitor and document the progress of the investment project during construction. For over 35 years Mr. Lake, an Oregon native, has successfully owned and managed a construction company. He has also contracted services as an expert construction manager for other construction companies. Mr. Lake has earned a Degree in Construction Technology, served on the State of Oregon board for the Construction Technology Program and participated in various construction industry professional committees and organizations.