63
JULY 2026
P
ortland Spirit Cruises & Events, 
Oregon’s leading river cruise 
operator, announced a signifi-
cant leadership transition in June that 
positions the company for its next era 
of growth. Mindy Dean-Caldwell has 
been promoted to general manager, 
while Dennis Corwin, who has served 
as general manager, steps into the role of 
president. Co-founder Daniel Yates will 
step down from his role as president.
In her new role, Dean-Caldwell will 
oversee vessel operations, culinary, 
marketing, sales, customer service, 
and onboard service teams. She will 
report directly to Corwin, who in 
turn, reports to the company’s board.
Dean-Caldwell brings over 20 years of 
experience with Portland Spirit, having 
worked her way through nearly every 
department in the organization. Most 
recently serving as director of service 
and product, she has played a key role in 
shaping the guest experience on board.
Corwin has 40 years of hospitality and 
restaurant industry, including more 
than three decades with Portland Spirit 
since joining the company during its 
inaugural year in 1994. As president, 
he will oversee company strategy. Fi-
nance, human resources, and general 
management will now report directly 
to him. Corwin studied business and 
music performance at Portland State 
University and has performed in, or di-
rected, more than 50 theatrical produc-
tions. “Thirty-two years ago, I applied 
for a ‘singing server’ job, and now I’m 
president. It’s surreal,” said Corwin. 
Yates, who co-founded Portland Spirit 
and has served as president since Janu-
ary 1995, reflected on the transition. 
“It has been the honor of my life to 
serve as president of Portland Spirit 
for the last 32 years,” said Yates. “It has 
been a wild ride, and I am incredibly 
proud of what we have built together,” 
he continued. “While I still have more 
to give, I recognized it was time to step 
aside from day-to-day operations and 
allow the next generation to lead.”
Yates served in the U.S. Navy and re-
ceived his bachelor’s from Centre Col-
lege in Kentucky and his MBA from 
the University of Virginia. He will re-
main involved as a board member and 
focusing on strategic projects to sup-
port the company’s continued growth.
This leadership transition follows a 
period of significant investment in 
the company’s fleet and infrastruc-
ture. Over the past three years, Port-
land Spirit has invested more than 
$3 million in repowering its vessels. 
Completed vessel repowers include 
the Explorer Jetboat, Willamette Star, 
and Crystal Dolphin, along with ma-
jor upgrades such as galley remodels, 
new HVAC systems, and cosmetic 
enhancements. There are plans to 
repower the flagship Portland Spirit 
within the next five years.
These improvements position the 
company for long-term sustainability 
and growth, with opportunities to 
expand offerings and potentially add 
to the fleet in the years ahead.
MEMBER NEWS
New Leadership Takes the Helm 
at Portland Spirit Cruises & Events
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