Profile Field Tabs

Jim Coonan recently retired from serving as the executive director of Oregon RAIN. He is also a successful entrepreneur, former CEO and an investor.

Jim oversaw the day-to-day operation of RAIN, including developing and finalizing work plans and metrics to measure the success of the program.

Previously, Coonan served as Venture Catalyst Manager at Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). He helped advance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in that region through efforts that included managing the Bend Venture Conference and developing regional entrepreneurial assets. He has been deeply involved with Oregon’s angel and venture community, having previously served as chair of the Oregon Entrepreneur’s Network (OEN), the largest entrepreneurship assistance organization in Oregon and PAN (Portland Angel Network). Other efforts have included a leading role in development of the Oregon Angel Fund, Portland Seed Fund, FoundersPad Accelerator, Cascade Angels, OEN’s Oregon Initiative, OEN’s foundation, Oregon’s signature research centers, strategic partnership with Pacific Northwest National Labs (PNNL) and the Oregon University System and Oregon Inc.

As a small business leader, Coonan is currently Chair of Peak Audio Group, and he is the former chairman and largest shareholder of Kentrox, LLC, and Hotel Software Systems, Ltd. He also served as CEO and chairman of Portland’s OECO Corporation. Coonan serves as an advisor to several local funds including Mount Hood Equity Partners and Northwest Technology Ventures. Previously, Coonan served in executive marketing positions for Van de Kamp’s Frozen Foods, The Pillsbury Company and General Mills Inc.