BendNEXT Foundation and Leadership Bend are proud to announce the 2025 Celebration of Community Leadership, an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring the individuals, teams, and organizations who are actively shaping the future of Central Oregon through visionary, collaborative, and community-centered leadership.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Seventh Mountain Resort, and will offer guests a joyful, festive evening filled with delicious local fare, beverages, and compelling stories of leadership in action.
Honorees represent a wide spectrum of leadership in our region—from those leading high-profile community initiatives to those driving change in quieter but equally impactful ways. What they share is a commitment to collaboration, service, and solutions that strengthen our region.
2025 Celebration of Community Leadership Honorees and Recognition Categories
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- Zavier Borja—Director, Destination Stewardship at Visit Bend—Inspiriting Leader
- Sue and Larry Marceaux—Co-founders, Bend Food Project—Servant Leaders
- Megan Haase—FNP and CEO at Mosaic Community Health—Transformative Leader
- Skanska—Construction Company—Commitment to Central Oregon Community
Why Leadership Matters Now in Central Oregon
As one of the fastest-growing regions in the Pacific Northwest, Central Oregon stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. Our community is grappling with complex issues—from housing affordability and workforce development to infrastructure and sustainability—that can’t be solved in silos.
Community leadership—collaborative, innovative, and visionary—is crucial. Leaders who can listen across differences, bring diverse voices to the table, and turn bold ideas into shared progress. We celebrate those who are willing to build bridges, think long-term, and act with courage—and this moment demands we recognize, elevate, and invest in them.
“Now more than ever, our region needs leadership that brings people together to solve complex problems,” said Talena Barker, Vice President, BendNEXT and Bend Chamber Leadership Development. “Whether on a public stage or building bridges behind the scenes, these honorees demonstrate the courage, vision, and connection our community needs to thrive.”
Celebrating Leadership, Supporting Community
Hosted by BendNEXT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Bend Chamber, in partnership with Leadership Bend, the Celebration of Community Leadership will also raise support for BendNEXT’s programming—Leadership Bend, Bend Emerging Talent, NEXTUp Leaders and Bend 101—alongside regional strategies addressing workforce housing, childcare, and inclusive civic engagement.
Attendees will be invited to support this vital work with a financial contribution to BendNEXT, helping ensure the continued development of leaders and solutions that build a stronger, more resilient Central Oregon.
Tickets & Details
Tickets are available now at: https://bendchamber.org/bend-event/first-annual-celebration-of-community-leadership/
Date: October 22, 2025 Time: 5:00 to 7:30 pm Location: Seventh Mountain Resort Ticket includes appetizers, beverages, and an inspiring program of recognition and connection.
For more information about BendNEXT Foundation or the event, visit: https://bendchamber.org/bendnext
Thank you to our sponsors, BBT Architects, Hennebery Eddy Architects, Morrison-Maierle and Skanska, for their support.
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