Martha Richards

Retired. Former Executive Director of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation

Martha Richards is a respected philanthropic and nonprofit leader whose career has been defined by strategic vision, deep relationship-building, and a commitment to strengthening Oregon’s education and arts ecosystems. She served for fourteen years as the founding Executive Director of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, joining the organization in 2008 and guiding it through a period of significant growth and influence. Under her leadership, the foundation directed nearly $110 million to more than 500 organizations statewide, demonstrating how a small regional foundation can achieve outsized impact through thoughtful grantmaking, partnerships, and trust-based relationships.

Throughout her tenure, Richards was widely recognized for her ability to connect people, ideas, and resources to advance community-wide solutions. She cultivated collaborative efforts among funders, led innovative initiatives such as a decade-long financial stability collaborative for Portland’s largest arts institutions, and expanded multi-year general operating support for arts organizations across Oregon. Her broader career includes serving as President of The Collins Group, a nonprofit consulting firm, and holding leadership and volunteer roles with numerous cultural, philanthropic, and education-focused organizations. Appointed by Governor Kate Brown to the Governor’s Council on Educator Advancement, Richards played a pivotal role in strengthening teacher leadership and addressing inequities in K–12 education. In recognition of her lifetime contributions, she received Portland Monthly’s 2020 Light a Fire Award, honoring her enduring impact on Oregon’s nonprofit and philanthropic communities.