
Meet Doug Ownby non profit, retail, healthcare, consultant
Doug Ownby is a transformational leader, business strategist, and operational expert with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations build the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. Throughout his career, he has successfully scaled teams, optimized operations, developed leaders, and created systems that drive measurable results across retail, nonprofit, healthcare, youth and family services, and community-based organizations.
As an executive leader within the nonprofit and behavioral health sector, Doug guided one local organization through one of the most significant periods of growth in its history, expanding annual revenue from $621,000 to $5.76 million while increasing staffing from 12 employees to 85 professionals. He built organizational systems from the ground up, launched new service lines, negotiated strategic partnerships, and developed leadership structures necessary to support long-term success.
Prior to his executive leadership experience, Doug spent 17 years consulting with leadership teams across hundreds of Kroger retail locations throughout the West Coast. His work focused on operational excellence, team development, performance improvement, organizational strategy, and execution at scale.
Doug's expertise spans business development, strategic planning, financial oversight, operational infrastructure, leadership development, healthcare compliance, organizational design, and change management. He is known for building strong systems that empower people, strengthen culture, and support sustainable growth.
Today, through Core Values PDX, Doug partners with business owners, nonprofit leaders, and organizations to strengthen operations, develop effective leaders, solve complex challenges, and build organizations positioned for lasting success. Grounded in integrity, accountability, and service, Doug believes that strong values, clear systems, and empowered people are the foundation of every exceptional organization.
Community Leadership & Service
Doug is deeply committed to strengthening the communities he serves. He has provided governance and strategic oversight as a board member for organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has dedicated much of his career to improving access to services for underserved children, families, and communities.
His professional experience spans retail operations, nonprofit leadership, behavioral health services, youth and family support programs, and organizations focused on serving underserved populations. Throughout every stage of his career, Doug has remained committed to creating opportunities, empowering people, and helping mission-driven organizations maximize their impact.
Core Values
Kindness
Integrity
"I am committed to honesty, accountability, and doing what is right—even when no one is watching. Integrity serves as the foundation for every decision, relationship, and partnership."
Respect
"Every individual deserves to be valued, heard, and treated with dignity. I strive to foster inclusive environments that recognize diverse perspectives and encourage collaboration and growth."
"I believe leadership begins with compassion, empathy, and genuine care for others. Treating people with kindness builds trust, strengthens teams, and creates environments where individuals" can thrive."
Core Expertise
Driving operational excellence and strategic growth with a focus on sustainable systems and leadership development for mission-driven organizations.
Business Strategy
Comprehensive development of strategic roadmaps that align organizational values with long-term growth and operational impact.
Operational Excellence
Optimizing daily operations through clear systems, infrastructure building, and performance metrics that drive measurable success.
Leadership Development
Empowering executive leaders and managers with the skills, confidence, and discipline required to lead high-performing teams.
Nonprofit Infrastructure
Building scalable systems for nonprofits, navigating complex funding cycles, and ensuring healthcare and regulatory compliance.
Change Management
Guiding organizations through significant transitions with integrity, accountability, and a focus on maintaining cultural health.
Strategic Scaling
Implementing the necessary organizational design and financial oversight to move from local impact to regional scale.
Leadership & Discipline
As a lifelong martial artist, I have earned black belts in multiple disciplines. Martial arts have shaped my approach to leadership by teaching discipline, resilience, confidence, humility, and the importance of community. The principles learned through martial arts continue to influence how I lead teams, navigate challenges, and support others in reaching their potential.
Loyalty & Balance
I also enjoy spending time with my two dogs, who provide a daily reminder of loyalty, consistency, and the importance of finding balance in life.
Outside of my professional roles, I believe that some of life's greatest lessons come from family, community, and personal growth.
Beyond the Bio
Generational Impact
As a proud father to my daughter, I understand the importance of creating a positive impact for future generations and building relationships rooted in trust, patience, and respect. Fatherhood has strengthened my commitment to leading with purpose and helping create stronger communities for families to thrive.
Core Values PDX
Whether working with organizations, serving the community, or spending time with family, I strive to lead with the values that define Core Values PDX: Kindness, Integrity, and Respect.