Mike Abbaté has 25 years of experience in the planning and design of outstanding public parks and recreational facilities, including Portland's Tanner Springs Park and Hood River's Waterfront Park. Before becoming PP&R's Director in October 2011, he served as the bureau's Asset Manager for six months, overseeing Planning, Design & Construction, and Central Services. Previously, as Urban Design & Planning Director with the City of Gresham, he developed a Design Excellence initiative, persuading the Mayor and Council to establish a new citizen-led Design Commission and enact new design standards. During his tenure, he also led Gresham's "Our Parks, Our Future" initiative to develop sustainable funding strategies for its park system. In 1997, Mike co-founded GreenWorks, an award-winning landscape architecture and environmental design business, recognized for its sustainable business practices and excellent design. Prior to joining GreenWorks, he spent seven years with the USDA Forest Service, working on the design of major recreation and interpretive facilities throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Multnomah Falls, Mt St Helens, Columbia River Gorge, and Mt Hood. 

Mike graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1985 with a degree in Landscape Architecture, magna cum laude. In 2007, he was recognized by the University as the Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Environmental Design. He also has a certificate in Business Administration from Portland State University. In addition to being a registered Landscape Architect in multiple states, he is certified nationally through the Council of Landscape Architects Registration Board, and is a LEED™ Accredited Professional. He is also a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and served for six years on an Advisory Board for the University of Oregon.