27 Year Program Engages and Builds Community Leaders

Selections have been made for the Leadership Bend Class of 2021, a non-profit civic engagement and leadership development program of the Bend Chamber.  It is designed to identify, educate, engage and connect willing and committed citizens ready for various leadership roles and organizations who believe a healthy community comes from investment in leadership succession.

Bend Chamber Association Health Plan

Participants are chosen from a broad and diverse cross-section of candidates from around the region who must go through a significant application process.  Finalists are drawn from acknowledged and aspiring leaders who share a commitment to actively driving a long-term and positive impact. There now are over 470 Leadership Bend alumni who now serve as our communities’ trustees.

LEADERSHIP BEND CLASS OF 2021 

Janelle Barker — First Interstate Bank
Ken Betschart — COCC – Small Business Development Center
Lindsey Boone — Sunstone Recovery
Rand Campbell — Van Vactor Law
Regine Childs — High Desert ESD
Chris Davis — Hayden Homes
Rob Garrott — LinkedIn Learning
Joey Greenberg — US Bank
Karissa Hess — Johnson Benefit Planning
Tyler Moore — Karnopp Petersen
Chris Neumaier — Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company
Timmy Regan — Compass Commercial Real Estate
Jody Saffert — St Charles Health Care
Angela Saraceno — Mosaic Medical
Donny Springer — Columbia Financial Advisors

The Bend Chamber believes building leaders is necessary to community succession planning.  As one of the fastest growing regions in Oregon and the northwest, the issues have become increasingly more complex and the need for active leadership is great.

For the 9 months of the program, participants will work with local leaders to expand awareness and understanding of the Central Oregon region. The class will explore historical and current issues firsthand and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities that cross sectors and silos.  Additionally, the cohort will benefit from a series of servant leadership topics designed to enhance individual leadership skills and together, make an impact through a class capstone project.

Leadership Bend is supported by Taylor NW, Pacific Power and likeminded businesses who believe that a healthy community comes from investment in leadership.