Staff Spotlight: Events Director, McKenzie Malone

Our staff spotlight for February is McKenzie Malone. McKenzie is Venture Portland’s Events Director and an expert on all things events-related. She has been with Venture Portland since December of 2021 and is dedicated and focused on building the Events Hub and supporting business districts with all their event needs. McKenzie would describe herself as tenacious, passionate, caring, and personable, and we have to agree! Her hobbies include escaping to the beach and watching movies! She likes to go to Portland’s historic movie theaters, including The Moreland Theater in Sellwood and Cinemagic in Hawthorne, and also newer theaters like the Living Room theater in West End, and Studio One off of Powell. She lives with her partner and her two dogs Dazy and Violet (13 year-old miniature pinscher chihuahuas) in their recently purchased home in the Foster District. We sat down with McKenzie to learn more about her.

What makes you a Portlander?

McKenzie: I am truly a Portland native! I grew up in SE Portland, went to La Salle High School in the Milwaukie area, and then attended college at Linfield. My whole heart and life is here. My family, most of my friends, all my favorite boutiques, and the grocery store I grew up going to is all right here!

How long have you lived in Portland?

McKenzie: I’ve spent 90% of my life in Portland, although I did spend a couple of years down in Florida working for Disney, and a few years in Washington, DC working for their MLB team, the Washington Nationals. What brought me back to Portland was my family and the community. Despite time away, I always find myself back home.

What area in Portland are you most fond of and why?

McKenzie: SE Portland is my home. If I am in Woodstock, Sellwood, or the Foster District, I’m never far.

In your opinion, what “puts Portland on the map”?

McKenzie: Portland is really special. You’re an hour or so away from the coast, an hour from the mountain, and yet you really don’t need to leave Portland proper to have a good time. There are countless districts to explore, incredible people to meet, and people are always cheering you on!   The Dream of the 90’s is alive in Portland.

What makes Portland’s small businesses so unique?

McKenzie: The passion, authenticity, and joy that small business owners have, and the ability they have to ignite that same passion in others.

What is your favorite thing about shopping local?

McKenzie: We vote everyday by using our dollars and I prefer to vote locally. Small businesses are what it’s all about. If they thrive, we thrive! Some great suggestions for shopping local is Tender Loving Empire, Made Here PDX, Budd + Finn, BarrowPDX, and Betsy & Iya.

What is your favorite nature spot in Portland and why?

McKenzie: My favorite nature spot to retreat to is the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in the Woodstock District. No matter the season, this garden always allows me time to pause and admire all the natural beauty around us.

Portland is such an outdoor adventure place – where do you go for outdoor adventures?

McKenzie: The Oregon Coast! My family has a house in Gearhart. If I’m not working, you can generally find me there.  For more local adventures I enjoy Lower Macleay Park. It is one of the entrances to Forest Park and it is just such a lovely place to be!

If you were to host a visitor and had to take them to 4 different spots in the city, where would you go?

McKenzie: I would take them to the International Rose Test Garden (if in season), Rimsky Korsakoffee House, Jade Teahouse, and a ride on the Willamette Jetboat Excursions (if in season).  If I had to add one more it would be Cloud City Ice Cream!

There are 6 CII districts that Venture Portland supports. Do you have a favorite spot in any CII district? What makes it a favorite?

McKenzie: I can’t get enough of Pizzeria Otto on SE Foster! You can catch me in there at least once a week, if not more. The staff members take such good care of us every time we go!