Oregon Governor Kate Brown appoints Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Michael Greer to Oregon Arts Commission 

Oregon Ballet Theatre executive director Michael Greer has been appointed to the Oregon Arts Commission by Gov. Kate Brown. Greer will help determine policies, establish long-range plans, and review applications to grants programs to determine funding levels that enhance arts awareness in Oregon. 

As one of nine commissioners, Greer will serve a four-year term and help to carry out the Oregon Arts Commission’s mission to enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians through the arts by stimulating creativity, leadership and economic vitality.

"I am humbled to be a part of the Arts Commission,” Greer said.

“Oregon is a state with a rich and diverse arts and cultural landscape and I am proud to be tasked with helping to grow and safeguard that landscape for future generations.

A native of Missouri, Michael spent the early part of his life as a dancer with stints at Interlochen Arts Academy, School of American Ballet, and The Royal Ballet School. He spent six seasons with Ballet West under the direction of Jonas Kåge, performing a wide variety of soloist roles. Upon retirement from performance, he returned to higher education with studies in economics (B.A.), education (M.Ed), and business administration (M.B.A.) from Hampshire College, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and The Wharton School respectively.

Prior to returning to the non-profit sector, Greer spent nearly a decade in leadership and executive roles in manufacturing, financial services, and commodities in India and Mainland China for several multinational firms.