(Photo above: Leadership Bend 2018 Class with Mayor Casey Roats in September 2017 | courtesy of Leadership Bend)
In September, a group of our community’s leaders walked the streets of downtown Bend learning how their engagement within the community, like those before them, would form the future of Central Oregon. As part of Leadership Bend (LB), the class would, over the next nine months, learn about the keystones that are foundations of Central Oregon communities. They participated in sessions on topics including local government, economy and tourism, culture, education, and natural resources.
Along with monthly sessions, homework, and attending numerous community events including city club luncheons, EDCO talks, and city council meetings, the class also put on the Leadership Bend Impact Summit (LBIS). This phenomenal event was the classes legacy project. It was an experience from which all who participated walked away with a sense of pride and inspiration.
The final session of the class on May 17, focused on the natural resources of Central Oregon. It was an incredible finale to the program. Guest educators discussed the importance of water to the region and the beauty of local landscapes. The class went away with an appreciation for their environment and inspired to explore the natural beauty of Oregon.
On May 22, the 25th LB class graduated in the capstone of an exceptional program. The night also celebrated LB’s 25th year with the unveiling of a new logo. Speakers included former class participants, LB title investor and fellow alum Todd Taylor, and LB program founder Connie Worrell Druliner. It was an incredible night that offered each member of the 2018 class an opportunity to share what they were taking away. From their experiences, team accomplishments, and passionate resolve they will take their next steps empowered to form Central Oregon’s future and lead others to do the same.
The LB Class of 2018 class wishes to thank all the guest educators for their wonderful instruction, the alumni of LB for creating a program that has endured 25 years, the Chamber for its sponsorship, and Jamie Christman for her tireless dedication to making the program a success. Thank you.
Leadership Bend Class of 2018 Graduates:
Emi Baxter – Zanoma
Kevin Cole – Mid Oregon Credit Union
Kathryn Cowsert – Meraki Consulting
Val Cunningham – Deschutes Brewery
Travis Davis – PayneWest Insurance
Beau Eastes – Old Mill District
Jack Farley – Coldwell Banker Morris Real Estate
Courtney Gallant – Bethlehem Inn
Lisa Goodman – St. Charles Health System
Mike Groza – First Interstate Bank
Jill Gwen – Jill Gwen Consulting
Tom Headley – Century West Engineering Corp.
Alex Hodge – Alex Hodge Construction
Tyler Honzel – BendBroadband
Kelly Jordan – St. Charles Foundation
Jeff Kitchens – Bureau of Land Management
Hilda Leon – Latino Community Association
Carissa Lucas – SELCO Community Credit Union
Shannon McCabe – Lynch Conger McLane LLP
Heather McMeekin – Price Fronk & Co
Angie Monday – BendBroadband
Skip Offenhauser – Bend-La Pine Schools
Jared Peterson – Cairn Inc
Joshua Romero – City of Bend
Ian Schmidt – Pinnacle Architecture
Judy Starr – NeighborImpact
Monica Stewart – DC Dunn Insurance
Melissa Woepse – Kollective Technology Inc.
