NextNW Acquires SEMpdx and Names Kent Lewis as Executive Director

To spark further growth in the Northwest marketing community, NextNW has acquired SEMpdx, an 18-year-old organization dedicated to digital marketing. NextNW also has a new executive director, Kent Lewis, who replaces Doug Zanger. NextNW relaunched from its previous name of ThinkNW on Friday. 

“When the planets align, it’s a beautiful thing,” noted Zanger. “Kent has had a remarkable career in the Northwest and I can’t think of anyone with better energy, dedication and care about the industry here. It was fortuitous that we could bring SEMpdx, a critical digital marketing organization that Kent co-founded, into the mix”

Lewis has a 30+ year career in the industry, including the following expertise and success:

• 28 years of digital marketing expertise
• 25 years as Founder of pdxMindShare
• 22 years running Anvil Media which he exited in March 2022
• 20 years as an adjunct professor at Portland State University
• 17 years in EO Portland (and Ignitor Advisor)
• 15 years in the Portland Agency Roundtable (and a former PAF board member)
• 10 years as a volunteer instructor for SCORE

“This region deserves a best-in-class organization that brings all of marketing together,” says Lewis. “With the SEMpdx partnership, we hope this is the first in many collaborations we create with Northwest-based marketing, creative and digital clubs and organizations. We’re open for business and here to help people grow their business.”

According to Zanger, there are no immediate changes to the NextNW board, and the organization will continue to build its roster of events and experiences, including the Cascadia Creative Awards in June, a golf tournament in September and monthly networking and social events. 

Additionally, NextNW will continue to develop its portfolio of live and digital thought leadership content and learning, inviting members and industry subject matter experts to share their thoughts to grow the Northwest marketing community.

Further strategic direction will come from Lewis and the NextNW board in the coming months. 

“We have big plans, including getting younger and newer professionals into the mix with NextNW,” says Lewis. “I’m excited about the opportunity to lead NextNW and further advance the business impact of bold creative thinkers in the Northwest.”