Editor’s Note: Andrew was appointed by the board to fill one of six vacant at-large board member positions. If you’re interested in filling any of the remaining at-large positions, contact President Tim Hemstreet for details.
This month we’re profiling the newest BWNA board member, Andrew Rinke.
Tell us a little about yourself, Andrew.
Born and raised in Michigan (Go Blue!), I started heading west to Chicago, Boulder, and finally Seattle for almost ten years. My Midwestern roots bloomed fully in the Pacific Northwest, and now I can’t imagine life without mountains, good coffee, and composting. I met my husband Scott in 2016, we were married in 2018, and 2019 became an exciting year for relocating as Scott accepted a job at a local mobile gaming studio. I’ve spent my first year here unpacking and building my own business as a digital marketing consultant for local businesses and nonprofits. Eventually, I want to side-hustle into interior design work—that is, once it’s safe!
What’s your favorite part of living in the neighborhood?
Creating a new home for us and our dogs Milo and Finn, we are so grateful to have landed in Beaumont-Wilshire. Quarantining has motivated us to stay busy with the house, and if you happen to catch us outside building, painting, or digging, please stop and say hello! It’s been a joy to build community with our neighbors and be welcomed so warmly. My favorite part is walking our dogs, admiring all the pride and creativity people put into their homes and yards.
What are your favorite neighborhood businesses and why?
Our dogs Milo and Finn are obsessed with Green Dog, but depending on the day and the need, Beaumont Hardware and Beaumont Market have proven to be extremely valuable.
What does being a board member mean to you?
It means a lot to me. We moved from a tight-knit neighborhood in South Seattle. Together as a neighborhood coalition, we were able to address community needs and challenges with the city and county. Having felt the importance of citizens participating within local government, I’m grateful to be included in the story of this wonderful neighborhood. I hope I can help represent our neighbors as an active participant in meaningful and effective ways.
What are the issues you want to help address as a board member?
I’m still new to the community and the board, and I need to spend more time listening and learning. However, in general, I hope to better understand the role of the neighborhood association within the neighborhood and at Portland City Hall. What are the residents of Beaumont-Wilshire expecting of us? What more can we be doing? What can we do to influence the maintenance and evolution of a better Portland for everyone? Just the little things!
Thank you for your service to the neighborhood, Andrew!