Donell Morgan’s role as Executive Director at Elevate Oregon is the culmination of his entire life’s experiences. He grew up in the inner city, starting his basketball career in high school and continuing through college, which led him to playing basketball around the world. After retiring from basketball, Donell worked first-hand with troubled youth at Echo Glen Children’s Center, a detention home where he helped young men & women piece their lives back together. For 10 years, he coached basketball at Umpqua Community College, kick-starting his mentorship of young African American men and becoming the first African American coach in Douglas County. Donell worked to open two Boys & Girls clubs in his hometown of Tacoma.

Now, as Executive Director at Elevate Oregon, Donell continues to mentor students and build life-changing relationships. His goal is to give back to his communities all that was given to him and more. An energetic and engaging speaker, Donell aims to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders who will transform communities and build a better future. His 5 years of service on the Oregon Department of Education’s African American/Black Student Success Advisory Committee are just one of the ways he works towards that aim.In his free time, Donell recently earned an MBA at Willamette University. He enjoys learning, cooking, and – never having given up his love of the game – coaching Parkrose High School’s Varsity basketball team.