Back Row (L to R): Jody Saffert (Graduate Advisor, LB 2021), Breck Flanagan-Caldwell, Eric Webber, Eric Berlin, Brittany Nichols, Chloe Crabtree, Emily Boynton, Jen Gordon, Juan Olmeda-Chavez, Matthew Guthrie, Matt Kelly, Talena Barker

Front Row (L to R): Ryan Schomburg, Scott Ross, Jeff Sanders, Sarah Monkton, Rebeckah Berry, Michelle Abbey, Cynthia Maree, Ashley Pascale, Jo Wells, Haley Jensen, Mary Overman, Heather Dion

Twenty six outstanding individuals formally graduated from the Leadership Bend program on June 9, 2022.

These participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds and industries, and differing lengths of time living in Central Oregon.

What they all have in common is a commitment to Bend and our region, and a willingness to work collaboratively to create a strong future for all.  Over nine months, they spent more than 90 class hours learning about local challenges and opportunities firsthand from decision makers, and through interactive work.  They additionally completed two impact projects outside of class hours and carved out time to connect and nurture their relationships with each other.

Grateful thanks to the participants, their employers, our sponsors and the many people who take the time to educate these future leaders.

The Leadership Bend Class of 2022

Michelle Abbey—Central Oregon Veterans Ranch

Sean Bearden—Hayden Homes

Eric Berlin—Pius Limited LLC

Rebeckah Berry—Central Oregon Health Council

Emily Boynton—Mosaic Medical

Cody Cloyd—Ablis CBD

Chloe Crabtree—Pridestaff

Heather Dion—CASA of Central Oregon

Breck Flanagan-Caldwell—Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District

Jen Gordon—Bend Chamber

Matthew Guthrie—BBT Architects

Jessica Higgins—Invera Wealth Advisors of Raymond James

Haley Jensen—Eleusis Athletics

Matt Kelly—TEN OVER STUDIO

Cynthia Maree—St. Charles Health System

Sarah Monkton—Best, Best & Krieger

Brittany Nichols—Central Oregon Community College Foundation

Juan Olmeda-Chavez—City of Bend

Mary Overman—Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades

Ashley Pascale—US Bank

Scott Ross—Taylor Northwest, LLC

Jeff Sanders—Mid Oregon Credit Union

Ryan Schomburg—Guiding Vision

Eric Webber—Morrison Maierle

Meli Wellington—Arbor Mortgage Group

Jo Wells—City of Bend

Applications are now open for the 2023 Leadership Bend class.  Information and the application form are available online at https://form.123formbuilder.com/6159002/form

Applications close at 5pm on July 1, 2022.

For questions about Leadership Bend, please contact Talena Barker at talena@bendchamber.org.

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Leadership Bend is supported by Taylor Northwest, St. Charles Health System, Pacific Power, ASI, and likeminded organizations who believe that a healthy community comes from investment in leadership.