East Brown Cow Welcomes Camilla McKay as Chief Operations Officer

East Brown Cow is pleased to announce that Camilla McKay has joined the company as Chief Operations Officer, bringing a track record of supporting growing organizations through strategic planning, operational excellence, and people-focused leadership.

In her role, McKay oversees finance and accounting, construction and property management, and technology. She also serves as a strategic partner to senior leaders including President and CEO Tim Soley, and General Counsel Stephen Nahley, helping align key business functions and supporting the organization’s long-term growth.

“Camilla brings a rare combination of strategic thinking, operational rigor, and genuine care for people,” said Tim Soley, President and CEO of East Brown Cow. “As our organization continues to grow and take on ambitious projects, her experience building systems, supporting teams, and helping leaders stay focused on what matters will be invaluable. We’re thrilled to welcome her to East Brown Cow.”

“What attracted me to East Brown Cow was the alignment in values,” said McKay. “People-centered leadership is important to me, and it was clear from my conversations with Tim and the team that they are deeply invested in their people and committed to building a strong culture.”

“I was also drawn to the impact East Brown Cow has on Portland,” she continued. “The company has a deep respect for the city’s history and architectural character, while remaining focused on its future. That commitment to both preservation and thoughtful progress is what makes the organization so unique.”

Born in the United Kingdom and raised in the United States, McKay earned an undergraduate degree in political science and history from Beloit College. Her passion for connecting with people took her into fundraising roles for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. She was then recruited to join Findorff, a prominent Wisconsin-based commercial construction company that has an extensive portfolio across healthcare, education, corporate, and arts & community sectors, with deep roots throughout the communities they build in.

During a period of significant expansion, McKay acted as the interim director of HR and worked cross functionally with the executive leadership team.Her analytical skills helped business leaders identify where challenges were emerging as systems and processes expanded, and she brought her people skills to check in with the more than 1,300 employees.

In 2024, McKay gained an MBA from the University of Wisconsin School of Business. She and her husband decided to move back East to be with family and raise their young children. McKay remains active in the community in non-profit work. She sits on the Women's United Committee of United Way, which focuses on advancing the financial stability and health of single mothers and their children.

McKay joins East Brown Cow during a period of significant momentum for the organization, which continues to advance transformative projects such as Old Port Square and The Docent’s Collection while earning regional and national recognition for excellence in historic preservation, design, and placemaking.