(Brenna Fulks)
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is excited to announce the appointment of Brenna Fulks as the new Jefferson County director, effective October 1, 2024.
In this role, Fulks will support EDCO’s mission of fostering a diversified local economy and a strong base of middle-class jobs. Her primary responsibilities will include guiding employers through the relocation process of moving to Jefferson County, managing and administering incentive programs and working closely with existing local traded-sector companies to help them grow and thrive.
Fulks is a seasoned community and economic development professional with a deep-rooted passion for revitalizing rural communities. Prior to joining EDCO, Fulks served as the deputy executive director for a three-county economic development district in western Montana. Her unique experience and perspective and deep commitment to rural communities will be invaluable in her new role.
“There is a great deal of opportunity for business and industry growth across Jefferson County and we are excited to have such an experienced economic development leader to develop and nurture opportunities locally,” said Will Ibershof, City administrator for the City of Madras.
Fulks’ previous roles include serving as the Economic Development lead for the City of Forest Grove, Oregon, and working as an independent consultant providing support to Humboldt County, California during the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. She also served as executive director of the Klamath Falls Downtown Association (KFDA), where she focused on community development and marketing.
Fulks holds a masters with an emphasis in marketing and is eager to leverage her skills and experience to drive economic growth in Jefferson County.
“It’s rare that we have the opportunity to hire an experienced economic development professional, especially one with experience in Oregon. Fulks energy, knowledge and skills will undoubtedly help Jefferson County achieve stronger economic outcomes and create more opportunities for this growing and vibrant community,” noted Jon Stark, chief executive officer of EDCO.
EDCO would like to thank Mid Oregon Personnel, spearheaded by Vice President Sam Lambert, who conducted the professional search for the position. A hiring committee made up of community leaders, businesses and partners participated in the hiring panel.
About Economic Development for Central Oregon:
EDCO is a nonprofit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations.
