Andrew Porter

Executive Director 

Tri-City Union Gospel Mission

What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?

In 2025 we provided over 43,000 nights of shelter and over 220,000 meals to men, women and children in our community. Caring for those God brings through our doors is always our greatest success.  

Our biggest “project” right now is raising funds to build a new Women and Children’s Facility. Over this past year we have received some significant gifts that have helped boost us to within $2 million of our original $9.5 million goal.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? 

My first job was a paper route when I was about 9, but the job that had the most impact on me was my 15 years with Odwalla Juice. That was the first time I worked not for myself, but to support a family – that alone changed my perspective. During my tenure I learned the importance of being able to work with and under a variety of personalities and management styles. I learned how to run a business – my sales route was essentially a small business and its success or failure was in my hands. Looking back, I see how my time there prepared me for my work at the Mission in ways I never would have imagined.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Always listen to your wife!

Name one thing about yourself you want people to know.

I’m truly honored God has chosen to use me at the Mission the last 17 years – I still can’t believe it sometimes.

What is your favorite Tri-Cities restaurant and what do you order there?

Texas Roadhouse, rib eye steak.

What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry?

Every day we have the opportunity to impact people’s lives for the better – to help equip them to become self-sufficient, contributing members of our community. Every life changed is exciting!

If you had one wish for the Tri-Cities, what would it be?

If we work together and strive to bring out the best in each other, we can truly impact our community for the better.