PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Portland Fire’s new general manager, Vanja Cernivec, is settling into her new role and into her new city.
Cernivec, who joined the Fire after serving with the Golden State Valkyries, said Portland has welcomed her warmly.
“Everybody’s been helpful, supportive and welcoming,” she said.
One of her first big tasks is hiring the team’s head coach. The process has already begun, though Cernivec emphasized there’s no timeline.
“We’re just focused on the right fit,” she said.
For Cernivec, building the Fire goes beyond wins and losses. She wants to establish a culture of trust, adaptability, and community connection.
“I want everybody on our staff and players to feel like they belong, that they’re valued, and that they have agency with what we’re building,” she said.
The Fire already has strong backing, with over 13,000 season ticket deposits secured. Cernivec credits the fan base for driving momentum and says community involvement will remain a priority.
“We wouldn’t be here without the fans,” she said. “I hope they enjoy the ride with us.”
As Portland prepares for its return to the WNBA, Cernivec’s goal is to balance competitiveness with long-term growth.
“From year one we want to be competitive, but culture comes first,” she said. “We want to attract not only talented players but high-character people.”