2025 Hall of Achievement Inductee
When Heather Davis graduated from the UO School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) in 1998 with a degree in journalism, she never thought she would be working as the chief executive officer of the Portland Timbers Major League Soccer team 25 years later. She was appointed chief executive officer of the Timbers in January 2023, becoming the first woman in club history to hold the role and one of the highest-ranking female sports executives in Oregon history. As CEO, Davis oversees all business and operational aspects of the Timbers and Providence Park, guiding the organization’s strategic vision, partnerships, and community impact.
A fourth-generation Oregonian, Davis joined the Timbers in May 2022 as general counsel, bringing with her deep experience from professional sports, law, and public service. She previously spent nine years at the NFL’s league office, serving as lead counsel for international operations and special events. In that role, she supported major events, such as the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, and NFL Draft, and led legal work for international games in London and Mexico. Among her notable achievements, Davis drafted and negotiated the NFL’s landmark stadium partnership with English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.
Before her tenure at the NFL, Davis worked for major law firms in New York and Washington, D.C., advising clients across industries on complex legal and regulatory matters. Her career began in public service: From 1998 to 2001, she served in the Clinton White House as special assistant to the president and deputy director of presidential scheduling, followed by a role as director of scheduling for Senator Hillary Clinton from 2001 to 2002.
Throughout her career, Davis has broken barriers and brought a collaborative, strategic approach to leadership in traditionally male-dominated industries. She remains committed to advancing the Timbers’ mission both on and off the pitch while representing the region she proudly calls home.
Return to Hall of Achievement »