Traci Rose 2013 (Photo courtesy of Portland Trailblazers)
The Portland Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of longtime Trail Blazer, Traci Billick Rose. Rose passed away on Wednesday after a battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 62. An icon of the Portland community, Rose effected positive change across the region through her work with the Trail Blazers, Boys & Girls Club of Portland Metro Area, and many more organizations. In lieu of flowers, the Rose family is asking that individuals make donations to Albina Head Start or SnowCap Community Charities – find more info below. Service details will be announced at a later date.
Traci Rose began her career with the Trail Blazers in the accounting office, eventually rising to Vice President of Communications and Community Relations while serving as the CEO of the organization’s original make it better Foundation. Throughout her 27-year career with the Blazers, Rose served in prominent roles within the communications and community departments, establishing strong connections with the media and local community and business organizations. Her work contributed to the team, its corporate partners and several athletes earning local, state and national awards for outstanding work in the community. In 2008, Albina Head Start dedicated one of their classrooms, ‘The Traci Rose Center’, in recognition of her work with youth throughout the community. As one of the most visible executives in the organization, Traci led with compassion and care, encouraging others to strive for their best while always helping those in need.
Following her nearly three-decade career with the Trail Blazers, Rose served as a Chief Executive for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro Area for nearly five years, advancing the crucial work the Clubs do for the youth of the region. Most recently, Rose worked as the Director of Community Relations and Public Information Officer for the Tigard-Tualatin School District, ensuring the next generation of Oregonians have ample opportunity to succeed. Rose earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marylhurst University, majoring in Organizational Communication, PR and Integrated Marketing.
Traci was a longtime supporter of Albina Head Start, an organization committed to serving our community’s youngest and most vulnerable children with early learning, literacy, and emotional development, and was considered a champion for children living in poverty in Portland. In honor of all her efforts, Albina Head Start named one of its classrooms “The Traci Rose Center” in 2008.
The Johnson Charitable Trust, where Traci served as highly valued Trustee for many years, is spearheading the design and build of Traci’s Garden at SnowCap Community Charities which will become a lasting tribute to her legacy in the Rockwood area she was so devoted to. The Garden will serve the many SnowCap families that depend upon it for food, while also providing a beautiful gathering and reflection space. Traci was able to see the initial landscape design before her passing and knew how her memory would be honored with this garden oasis at one of Oregon’s most essential nonprofits.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking those interested to make a donation to either of these causes near and dear to Traci’s heart – Albina Head Start or SnowCap Community Charities. Donations for Albina Head Start can be made via the Trail Blazers Foundation at Trailblazers.com/donate by noting your gift in memory of Traci Rose and for general support, 100% of gifts made will be donated to Albina Head Start. For SnowCap Community Charities, visit HERE and please check in honor of, and mention it is for Traci’s Garden project in the Additional comments section.
"The passing of Traci Rose, a cherished Portland Trail Blazers family member for many years, deeply saddens me,” said Terry Porter, Trail Blazers Alumni. “Traci’s invaluable contributions to our organization and her guidance to countless players, both on and off the court, helped profoundly shape their professional and personal journeys. Beyond her impact on the team, Traci was a driving force within our community. Her tireless dedication to improving the lives of children and families continues to resonate through the numerous programs she helped establish. These initiatives, which still provide meaningful support to those in need, are a testament to her enduring legacy and a reassurance that her work will continue to make a difference. Traci’s impact on the Trail Blazers and our community will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live through the lives she touched, the players she guided, and the programs she inspired. We honor her memory today and forever.”
“The Portland community lost a legend last week,” said Dewayne Hankins, President of Business Operations, Portland Trail Blazers & Rose Quarter. “Traci’s passion and genuine care for others was infectious, providing opportunities and care for countless individuals and groups. She leaves a legacy of heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of others that we should all strive to replicate. The entire Trail Blazers organization sends our heartfelt condolences to her friends and family.”
“Traci was a very kind soul who had a positive impact on everyone she met, and we will miss her dearly,” said Joe Cronin, General Manager, Portland Trail Blazers. “Traci’s ability to make a genuine heartfelt connection with everyone was impressive and invaluable. She will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we know her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.”