Fred Porter, Executive Assistant to the CEO, died January 21, 2016, in San Francisco, after a short illness. He was a beloved member of the WestEd organizational family.

An expert in management, organization, problem solving, and interpersonal relations — Fred was a true professional. He carried out job responsibilities with humanity, humor, and grace, juggling multiple tasks in an efficient and seemingly effortless manner.

He joined WestEd in 1998, starting as a program administrative assistant. Fred’s skills and interpersonal competencies were apparent from the start, and, within a short period of time, he became assistant to the Chief Program Officer, and, later in 2008, the CEO’s Executive Assistant. Fred had a 40-year office management career.

“Fred’s passing is a deep loss to WestEd,” CEO Glen Harvey wrote in a message to the entire WestEd community. “He was an extraordinary person — a friend to almost everyone he met and worked with. He was a physically strong man and, as a person, a pillar of strength, optimism, compassion, and positive energy. He connected easily with every person with whom he interacted.”

Fred leaves behind a close family, including his mother and two sisters, and an almost endless number of friends.

He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his colleagues at WestEd.