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Bret Marchant

Director of Data & Research

Department: Staff

(971) 339-2008
bret.marchant@greaterportlandinc.com


Bret Marchant has wide-ranging experience in economic development and community planning. Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Research & Data for the United Way in Winston-Salem, NC, working on investment strategies, program evaluation, and implementing an asset-based community development strategy focused on strengthening neighborhoods.

Prior to United Way, Bret was the Director of Strategic Economic Development for the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, focusing on business retention and expansion, cluster-based development, and workforce attraction and retention. He also worked for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Planning Department and Market Street Services, an economic development consulting firm based in Atlanta.

Bret has a master’s degree in city planning with a specialization in economic development from Georgia Tech, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wake Forest University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest, listening to live music, sampling a local beer, and still trying to play soccer and softball.