An Inspiring Conversation with Mac Pritchard: Building Connections, Careers, and Community
Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. That was certainly the case when we sat down with Mac Pritchard, founder and publisher of Mac’s List, for our latest episode of the Hiring For Good Podcast.
If you work in Oregon—or really anywhere in the Pacific Northwest—you’ve probably heard of Mac’s List. It’s become the go-to job board for professionals looking for meaningful work and employers searching for exceptional talent. But what you might not know is just how much thought, care, and vision went into building it.
Mac’s own professional story is remarkable. Over the course of his career, he’s worn many hats: journalist, communications strategist, entrepreneur, and community builder. Before launching Mac’s List, Mac spent decades in public relations and public service, working with mission-driven organizations and causes close to his heart. That experience not only shaped his approach to connecting people with opportunities but also grounded his belief that work should be about more than just a paycheck—it should be a source of purpose and contribution.
When Mac first started Mac’s List back in 2001, it was a humble email newsletter sent to a few dozen friends. Over time—and through a lot of consistent effort, listening to the community, and staying true to its mission—it grew into Oregon’s leading job board and career resource. Today, Mac’s List is more than just a place to find a job. It’s a hub for networking, professional development, and learning how to navigate the changing world of work.
In our conversation, Mac shared the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur, and his perspective on the role trust plays in building both a business and a community. We talked about what makes a good job posting, why relationships matter so much in hiring, and how he’s managed to maintain Mac’s List’s reputation for quality and integrity over the years.
What stood out most, though, was Mac’s generosity—his willingness to share insights freely, encourage others, and stay deeply engaged with the people his business serves. That’s a rare quality in any industry, and it’s a big part of why we walked away from this interview feeling both inspired and grateful.
We truly enjoyed spending time with Mac, learning about his journey, and hearing firsthand how Mac’s List became the incredible organization it is today. We left the conversation with a deep admiration for the company he’s built—and an even deeper appreciation for the person behind it.
Mac’s Bio
Mac Prichard is the founder and publisher of Mac’s List, a regional job board that helps people find jobs that matter.
Mac’s List serves job seekers and employers with its top-tier job board as well as courses, books, and other resources. Mac’s List was founded in 2001 and became a Certified B Corporation in 2017.
Mac is also the author of Land Your Dream Job Anywhere and Land Your Dream Job in Portland and the host of the top Apple ranked career advice podcast Find Your Dream Job.
From 2007 to 2023, Mac owned and operated Prichard Communications, a social change public relations agency that worked with philanthropies, nonprofits and public agencies across the country. Previously, Mac was a communications director in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC.
Mac has a master’s in public administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Iowa.