Leadership Eugene Springfield 2024-25 Cohort Announced
Organized by the Eugene and Springfield Chambers of Commerce, Leadership Eugene Springfield (LES) has helped create civic leaders that are well-equipped to passionately represent their communities since 1986. Selected from a particularly large pool of qualified applicants, the 2024-25 cohort will participate in monthly, day-long sessions that broaden their networks, develop their knowledge and awareness, and hone their leadership skills by exploring a broad base of topics. The program begins in October and ends with graduation in May. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2024-25 LES cohort!
Kim Arscott | Hybrid Real Estate
Kim Arcott has lived in Eugene for 26 years after growing up in Hartford County, Connecticut. With a background in customer service and hospitality, she has worked in various roles, including as an insurance claims adjuster, where she met her husband. Her dedication to serving others is evident in her achievements, such as earning the Girl Scouts Silver Award and following the golden rule daily. Currently, Kim is the 2024 President of Eugene Realtors, overseeing nearly a thousand members and multiple committees, and serves as the 2024 Co-Chair for Eugene Greeters, helping plan networking events. She enjoys visiting local wineries and breweries, attending community theater shows, and spending time outdoors with her husband and dogs.
Christopher Calles | IEQ Technology
Originally from Houston, TX, Christopher and his wife relocated to Eugene in March 2016. For the past eight years, his career took him across the West coast, from Alaska to California, with Eugene-Springfield being his weekend destination until recently. He is thrilled to have joined IEQ Technology as the Business Development Manager, marking an exciting step in his career with a locally owned organization. He feels this role allows him to deepen his connections within the Eugene-Springfield community and experience the beauty of Lane County.
About two years ago, Christopher and his wife joined the Odd Fellows fraternal organization in Eugene, where they actively volunteer and support various community initiatives. Additionally, Christopher is dedicated to volunteering with the Lane County Diaper Bank in Springfield, contributing to their efforts to support families in need.
Furthermore, Christopher co-founded the Oregon Wine Society, a nonprofit aimed at promoting the Oregon wine industry and funding scholarships for future leaders in this field. This endeavor reflects his passion for supporting local industries and investing in the next generation of leaders.
Christopher looks forward to continuing to build relationships and contribute positively to the Eugene-Springfield area through both his professional endeavors and community involvement.
Jacob Callister | Lane Council of Governments
Jacob Callister grew up under Utah’s Rocky Mountains, initially aspiring to become a park ranger. However, his passion evolved when he discovered a career that allowed him to enhance everyday experiences in communities. This led him to Eugene in the mid-2000s, where he pursued a graduate degree in Community and Regional Planning at the University of Oregon. Before graduating, Jacob joined the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG), where he has since worked on diverse projects. His work has ranged from managing local wetland inventories in Springfield to leading initiatives like the Lane Livability Consortium and building the municipally owned fiber network in downtown Eugene (EUGNet). Jacob’s roles at LCOG have provided him with a deep understanding of both public and private sectors and a strong professional network. His involvement in his neighborhood, children’s school, and church communities has further broadened his perspective by connecting him with people from various backgrounds. Jacob thrives on learning, meeting new people, and embracing new challenges.
Tammy Cane | deChase Miksis Development
Tammy Cane is a Development Manager for deChase Miksis Development in Eugene. She manages projects across multiple markets, including those in feasibility, preconstruction, and construction phases. Tammy is currently overseeing the development of Flock13, a project that includes 107 student housing units adjacent to the Duck Store at the University of Oregon entrance, along with retail spaces on East 13th Avenue. Before joining deChase Miksis in May 2022, Tammy spent 23 years working in commercial real estate development with firms like Our Northwest, Holland Partner Group, and Mill Creek Residential in Washington and Oregon markets. Her experience spans multifamily, retail, office, and industrial projects, and she brings valuable expertise in construction and asset management. Tammy holds a BA and a Real Estate Development Certification from the University of Washington and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
J.B. Carney | Travel Lane County
J.B. Carney currently serves as the Senior Director of Sports at Travel Lane County. With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, J.B. has held leadership roles in sales and operations. Most recently, he served as General Manager at various full-service, select-service, and boutique properties throughout the Northwest. Over the past decade, he has called Eugene home, contributing significantly to the local community.
His dedication to the industry and community is evident through his volunteer experience. J.B. served eight years on the Travel Lane County Board, including two years as Board Chair. He also volunteers as a KidSports Coach, at TrackTown USA meets, and is a co-facilitator of the Welcome to TrackTown project, working with local stakeholders to uphold Eugene’s legacy as TrackTown USA. Additionally, he serves as the Co-chair of the Sports Events and Tourism Association College Events Community.
Married with three children, J.B. enjoys the active lifestyle living in Lane County provides. When not in the office, he can often be found running, hiking, skiing, backpacking, paddleboarding, or on the sidelines of one of his kids’ games. Originally from Oklahoma, J.B. received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Oklahoma State University and loves cheering on his Cowboys.
Alyssa Clare | Summit Bank
Alyssa has dedicated 17 years to Community Banking and currently serves as the Operations Supervisor at Summit Bank. Throughout her career, she has passionately advocated for youth financial literacy and supported nonprofits in fulfilling basic family needs. Her commitment to community service is evident in her role on the Relief Nursery Auxiliary Board, where she takes pride in witnessing the power of community collaboration. Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Oregon. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys quality time with her husband and two kids. When she’s not on the golf course, you’ll likely find her outdoors soaking up the sunshine or engaging in lively kids vs. adults mini hoop games in the living room.
Wynter Eddins | Simply Youth Institute
Wynter Eddins is the visionary behind Simply Youth Institute (SYI), an organization serving young people ages 12-24 in Los Angeles County, California, and Eugene, Oregon. Since founding SYI in 2019, Wynter has led initiatives focused on financial wellness and career exploration, aiming to promote economic mobility and support successful transitions into adulthood. Under her leadership, SYI’s Sagacity program has become a state-certified work training initiative, empowering BIPOC high school students with the confidence and skills to navigate new career pathways.
Wynter’s artistic talents shine through impactful workshops and creative arts initiatives, where she uses poetry as a tool for healing and community revitalization. As a published poet, her work emphasizes uplifting women and survivors of violence, inspiring others to reclaim their power. Wynter’s holistic approach to community healing, connection, and skills-based education continues to inspire and elevate the communities she serves.
In 2015, Wynter became a credentialed educator, specializing in teaching multilingual students and equipping them with essential skills. With over ten years of experience working with diverse student backgrounds, she has led training for educators and administrators across the country, including in Springfield and Eugene, to enhance language skills through English learning and reading intervention programs.
Onalee Edwards | SELCO Community Credit Union
Onalee Edwards has lived in the Eugene-Springfield area for the last 14 years. Currently the Business Analysis Manager, Onalee has spent the past 6 years with SELCO Community Credit Union; and the past 12 years in the financial services industry, previously with Pacific Continental Bank and Columbia Bank (now Umpqua Bank). Before financial services, Onalee was the Director of Media and Community Relations for the Eugene Emeralds, the role that originally brought her to the area. Throughout her career, working for an institution with a strong community connection has been a priority. Onalee has sought opportunities where she can understand others’ stories and perspectives, build relationships, and participate in collaborative problem solving. She considers curiosity one of her core values.
While her volunteer work has decreased in recent years due to family changes, she has been involved with such organizations as Springfield Rotary, Springfield Public Library Foundation, and SMART Reading. She currently enjoys volunteering with the Springfield Public Schools and Lane Amateur Hockey Association (LAHA) and is looking to ramp up to her previous level of involvement in the community.
Onalee enjoys spending time with her family exploring the outdoors, reading, and cheering on various sports teams.
Mary Dawn Elkington | KCL Engineering
Mary Dawn Elkington is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in project management, office administration, and community engagement. As the Project & Administrative Coordinator at KCL Engineering, she oversees West Coast operations, coordinating project schedules, deliverables, and financial reports. Her role also includes supporting business development, managing office logistics, and enhancing staff engagement.
Previously, Mary Dawn served as an Executive Assistant at St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, where she managed community outreach programs and coordinated fundraising events. She also worked as a Client Support Specialist at the Center for Nonprofit Law, handling client communications, legal filings, and board trainings.
Mary Dawn brings strong skills in crisis management, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care, along with technical expertise in data entry, digital communications, social media management, and event systems software. She has supported various boards, volunteered with the Eugene Springfield Youth Symphony, and currently serves on the FOOD For Lane County auction procurement committee.
Actively involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, Mary Dawn continues her professional development through ongoing education. She is passionate about making a meaningful impact and upholding her principles and commitments in all her endeavors.
Dr. Madeline Foley | Springfield Acupuncture
Born and raised in Seattle, Madeline embodies many classic Pacific Northwest qualities as a lover of nature, live music, and local foods. She is a licensed acupuncturist with a deep interest in innovative healthcare and small business solutions. Her introduction to acupuncture came during her studies in biophysics at The Evergreen State College. Although initially skeptical, Madeline was impressed by the positive impact it had on her own health. Recognizing its potential, she pursued an intensive four-year doctoral program at the esteemed Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Her studies encompassed acupuncture, biomedicine, medical research, Chinese herbal medicine, bodywork techniques, and nutrition.
After completing her doctorate, Madeline seized the opportunity to relocate to Eugene and practice at Cottage Grove Community Acupuncture. She has since facilitated the opening and operations of a new clinic, Springfield Acupuncture, where she serves as the nonprofit’s Assistant Clinical Director. Alongside her volunteer commitments, she is currently working on a legislative effort to make detox acupuncture accessible to at-risk populations in mental health and drug treatment. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar and spending as much time as possible with her partner and their two chihuahuas.
Elena Fracchia | Elena, etc.
Elena Fracchia is an ex-corporate wealth strategist turned financial impact coach. A “double Duck,” Elena holds degrees in Sociology from the Robert D. Clark Honors College, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Oregon.
Combining her expertise in financial coaching with her passion for nonprofit strategy, Elena launched a financial impact coaching business in 2024 which offers a unique blend of services designed to empower both individuals and organizations. She’s on a mission to help folks understand and maximize the positive impact of their financial decisions – from creating planned giving programs, to designing impactful estate plans, to helping early- and mid-career professionals set a strong foundation for healthy and aligned financial habits.
In addition to her coaching work, Elena serves on the Cascade Health Advisory Council and has been a speaker for several community groups and events including Leadership Eugene-Springfield, Emerald Valley Development Professionals, and Nonprofit Association of Oregon.
Katherine Gerlach | Harcourts West Real Estate
Katherine Gerlach is a dedicated wife and mother of two, a Real Estate Broker with Harcourts West, and a passionate entrepreneur and artist. She volunteers with Homes for Good, serves on the Board of the Hendricks Community HOA, and is an active member of the Laurel Hill Citizens Executive Committee.
Katherine’s professional journey is marked by a deep-rooted passion for research, which has been instrumental in her success in the competitive real estate market. Her keen analytical skills and attention to detail ensure that her clients receive the best possible guidance and support in their real estate transactions. Her talent for forging genuine relationships has proven invaluable in her real estate career, where trust and personal connection are essential.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Katherine constantly seeks new opportunities and innovative solutions. She thrives on the challenges of the business world and is always eager to expand her horizons. Outside of her professional life, Katherine cherishes time with her family and finds balance and inspiration in her role as an artist. She embodies dedication, versatility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making her a standout professional in both real estate and entrepreneurship.
Chelsea Hartman | City of Springfield
Chelsea is a Senior Planner for the City of Springfield, where she manages the Climate-Friendly Areas project and focuses on long-range land use planning. Her work influences Springfield’s growth and future development, including implementing state requirements. Notably, she recently completed the Comprehensive Plan Map Clarification Project, creating a clear map of future land use in Springfield.
Before joining the City of Springfield, Chelsea worked for the City of Eugene on land use planning and housing initiatives for nearly five years. Prior to moving to Oregon in 2017, she was a land use planner in Chesterfield County, Virginia, where she analyzed demographics and housing trends to guide the county’s planning efforts. Chelsea earned her master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014. Since relocating to Oregon, she has gained valuable insights into the state’s unique land use planning system and its impact on local communities.
Jasmine Hatmaker | Eugene Mortgage Brokers
Jasmine is a Eugene native who was raised from age 4 to 11 on the island of Guam. After working as a Realtor for several years, she transitioned to the mortgage industry. Raised in a family that instilled in her a love of travel and experiencing different cultures, Jasmine brings both passion and expertise to her role, guiding clients through the intricacies of the market. Her background in a real estate and mortgage-oriented family fuels her creativity and professional approach.
Outside of work, Jasmine finds joy in volunteering and being actively involved in her local community. She has previously volunteered with Holt International, Relay for Life, Burrito Brigade, Pro-Bone-O, and First Avenue Shelter. Currently, she serves on the board of the local NAACP, volunteers with the Black Cultural Initiative, and recently participated in Over the Edge for Casa and the annual Community Supported Shelters fundraiser. Jasmine is also a member of the Local Government Affairs Council for the Eugene Chamber of Commerce.
Abi Hernandez | Friends of the Children, Lane County
Abi Hernandez has had the privilege of serving children, adults, families, and communities for the past nine years in various capacities. As a developer, Abi recognizes that people are the experts of their own experiences and is passionate about cultivating their potential and supporting their goals. She believes in the power of connectedness—that one person can impact an entire community. With courage, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to leading with love and kindness, Abi is dedicated to facilitating effective change.
After earning her BA in Peace and Conflict Studies, Abi spent two years working in Japan at a school for rural leaders from some of the most impoverished areas of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. As a second-generation Guatemalan-Mexican-American, she has a deep understanding of the challenges of blending cultures and overcoming adversity, as well as the tremendous value of investing in people.
In her role at Friends of the Children – Lane County, Abi has witnessed firsthand how programs, systems, and opportunities can positively impact individuals across generations, fostering stability, progress, and success.
Tammy Inglis-Drew | Aims Vascular Access
Tammy Inglis-Drew was born in Napa, California, and graduated from Marshfield High School in Coos Bay, Oregon, in 1982. She relocated to Springfield to pursue a career in healthcare, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration. With over 40 years in the field, Tammy made a significant impact on the healthcare community and started her own Mobile Nursing Company in 2018 to enhance local healthcare services.
Married for 24 years, Tammy and her husband have blended their family with four children—two from a previous marriage and two adopted after their marriage. Family remains a cornerstone of her life, enriched by four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her two dogs and a cat.
Professionally, Tammy has served as President, Secretary, and Membership Chair on a national healthcare organization board. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Greeters, SPIN (Senior Provider Information Network), Lane Senior Support Coalition, and Springfield Rotary. She is also an active member of the Oddfellows at Spencer Butte Lodge 9 and a Lane Leaders member. Tammy is committed to community service, performing at least one service activity each month.
Chelsea Kyam Irvine | Collaborative Economic Development Oregon
Chelsea is the Communications and Events Manager for Collaborative Economic Development Oregon, the business services arm of Lane Workforce Partnership. With over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, community outreach management, and event production, Chelsea has a proven track record of engaging the community, connecting people, and creating memorable experiences. Over the past five years, she has produced more than 250 events and managed numerous community involvement programs. Her first major event in Eugene/Springfield, the Community Collaborative & Industry Luncheon, sold out and attracted elected officials from across the county. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys adventurous outings with her five-year-old, exploring culinary delights, and volunteering with the City of Eugene on urban park restoration projects and at the native plant nursery.
Joshua Samuel Jordan | Emergence Addiction and Behavioral Therapies
Joshua Jordan serves as the Peer Services Manager at Emergence Addiction and Behavioral Therapies, where he leads a team of certified recovery mentors who use their personal experiences with recovery from substance use disorder and involvement with the criminal justice system to support others in achieving longterm recovery. In this role, Joshua spearheaded a collaboration between Emergence and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, placing recovery mentors in the lobby of the Lane County Jail to offer resources to individuals exiting incarceration. Prior to his promotion to a supervisory position, he worked as a peer support specialist and addiction counselor at Emergence, providing services to individuals enrolled in Lane County Treatment Courts. Joshua’s dedication to helping others extends beyond his professional role; as someone in longterm recovery, he is actively involved in the local 12-Step community. Outside of work, he just married his fiancé Cortni on July 27, 2024, and cherishes spending time with their 18-month-old son, Lincoln.
Sam Kelly-Quattrocchi | Lane Transit District
Sam Kelly-Quattrocchi is the Government Relations Manager at Lane Transit District, where he leads the organization’s legislative efforts. With experience working for both the City of Springfield and Eugene, Sam is enthusiastic about addressing transit and mobility projects and issues across the region.
Originally from Santa Rosa, CA, Sam is a graduate of both Oregon State University and the University of Washington. He tends to avoid wearing orange and purple during college football season and enjoys spending his free time playing board games with friends or curling up on the couch with a good book.
Sam is particularly excited about the diversity of his work and the opportunity to shape policy and development locally, while also leveraging relationships at the state and federal levels to secure additional resources for Lane County.
Jessica King | Country Financial
Jess King is a sales leader in a Fortune 1000 company within the financial and insurance services industry, where she is among the 10% of female leaders. As Vice President of a corporate resource group, she works to foster professional development and support among female business owners. Jess has been with her company for nearly eight years, focusing on recruiting and mentoring Agency Business Owners in Lane County. Her role spans from planning to business coaching, and she takes great pleasure in celebrating the successes of others and helping them thrive.
Residing in Eugene with her son, an eighth grader at Cal Young Middle School, Jess has developed a strong affection for the city, appreciating its family-friendly environment. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, walking along the river, and hosting small gatherings with neighbors.
Cindy Koza | Rise & Shine Social Enterprise
Cindy Koza is a 33-year-old entrepreneur with a decade of experience in founding and leading two successful companies, where her leadership and innovation were crucial to their success. Balancing business ownership with raising two amazing children, Cindy has mastered the art of managing both responsibilities effectively.
A dedicated member of the Springfield community, Cindy has actively volunteered in various roles. She currently serves on the Springfield Police Advisory Committee and several Oregon Rule Advisory Councils. She also has experience as an elected member of the Fernridge Library Board of Directors.
Cindy is keen to further develop her leadership skills and expand her professional network through this program.
Lori Lock | 5 Star Concierge
Lori Lock has dedicated her life to working with seniors, finding immense joy and satisfaction in helping them navigate the challenges of aging. Her journey began with the guidance of an internal medicine physician who still made house calls, mentoring her and equipping her with valuable skills for her future endeavors. Lori later honed her ability to build and lead teams in a highly competitive corporate environment, consistently achieving top performance for 15 years.
After taking time off to care for a family member, Lori transitioned into becoming a licensed insurance agent. While the experience was valuable, it didn’t fully satisfy her passion. Five years ago, she took a leap of faith and founded 5 Star Concierge, a service designed to assist seniors. Initially starting as a solopreneur, Lori quickly recognized the need to build a team to serve a larger population, which she did successfully.
Lori’s love for her work is matched only by her devotion to her family, whom she considers the center of her universe. She has been a Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout leader, active in her community, and currently serves as the “Madame” Secretary for the Springfield Greeters Board of Directors.
Robert Miller | SAIF Corporation
Rob Miller was born in Portland and grew up across the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. He attended Central Washington University for three years before transferring to Concordia University – Portland, where he earned a degree in Business Management and Communications. After graduating, Rob began working as a premium auditor in Medford, Oregon. Following three years there, he moved to Portland and eventually settled in the Eugene/Springfield area in 1999.
Rob has been with SAIF Corporation, a not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company, for over 22 years. He is an active member of the SAIF SERV (Serve, Engage, Respond, Volunteer) team, which coordinates efforts to benefit communities across Oregon. In 2021, Rob and his wife launched SM-Nutrition LLC, a small business they have been growing since its inception. They reside in the Thurston area of Springfield and have two grown children and two grandchildren. In his spare time, Rob enjoys golfing, hiking, biking, and spending time with family and friends.
Moorea Monaco | Merriman Wealth Management
Moorea is a Certified Financial PlannerTM and Wealth Advisor at Merriman Wealth Management. Born and raised in Eugene, she studied Planning, Public Policy, and Management at the University of Oregon. After college, she decided to turn her passion for personal finance into a career. As both a professional and a parent, Moorea understands the challenges of managing a heavy mental load and how easily investing in the future can be put on the back burner. She enjoys creating financial plans that allow people to focus their energy on what matters most to them and is excited to see how her skills can help transform the community.
When she’s not working or keeping up with her two kids, Moorea enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, and going on road trips.
Dave Moss | Eugene Symphony
Acclaimed for his bold creativity and leadership in the arts, Dave Moss currently serves as the Executive Director of the Eugene Symphony. Before his appointment in Eugene, Moss was the President and CEO of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (HSO), where he collaborated with orchestra members, the Board of Directors, administration, and volunteers to enhance the organization’s artistic, fiscal, governance, education activities, and community engagement. Moss is credited with diversifying symphonic programming through his work with the Hawaiian and Pasifika communities and spearheaded the organization’s digital productions, reaching over 500,000 households via streaming and regional television, earning an Emmy nomination in the process. His leadership earned him recognition as one of Hawai’i’s “Most Admired Leaders” by Pacific Business News.
Previously, Moss served as the Executive Director of Haymarket Opera Company, one of Chicago’s most dynamic arts organizations, which achieved international acclaim under his leadership, with The New York Times praising its performances as “finely played, carefully sung, [and] lovingly detailed.” A former violist, Moss has performed at prestigious venues such as Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and Coachella. His versatile career includes performances with artists as diverse as The Who, Kanye West, Itzhak Perlman, and Renée Fleming, as well as in the Broadway production of Hamilton. Moss holds degrees from the University of Chicago, The Juilliard School, and Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music.
Tiffany Rojas | Oregon Community Credit Union
Tiffany Rojas is a dedicated professional at OCCU, where she has worked for 14 years, spending the last decade in the Training Department. Her primary focus areas include lending, new accounts, and new projects. Tiffany finds joy in knowing that those she has trained are making meaningful differences in the lives of members.
Having moved frequently during her childhood, Tiffany never expected to stay in one place for long. However, she has found a thriving community in Eugene, both at OCCU and in her personal life. As a full-time working parent, she is actively involved in her child’s elementary school, volunteering for events such as Book Nook, Field Day, and carnivals, and playing a key role in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Recently, she was elected as the volunteer coordinator for the PTO for the upcoming year.
Tiffany’s commitment to the community extends beyond the school. She has volunteered with United Way’s Book Fest, where she shared her love of reading with students, and for the past two years, she has served as a reviewer for scholarship applications at Lane Community College (LCC).
Aaron Ruiz | OnPoint Community Credit Union
Aaron Ruiz was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, where his love for soccer began at a young age. A graduate of Willamette High School in 2003, he furthered his education at Lane Community College and the University of Oregon. During this time, he experienced the profound honor of meeting two Popes.
Seeking new adventures, Aaron moved to Southern California, where he met his wife, Nicole, and became a stepfather to Bell. Together, they welcomed two more children, Gavin and Elijah. Wanting a more tranquil environment to raise their family, Aaron and Nicole returned to Eugene.
Throughout his life, Aaron has worn many hats, including coaching his son’s soccer team, leading Cub Scouts, and managing two Subway shops in Eugene. In California, he served as a seafood/meat manager. Currently, he is a Member Service Officer at OnPoint Community Credit Union, a role that has allowed him to make a meaningful impact on his community. He also serves as co-treasurer on the Springfield Greeters Board of Directors.
Aaron is passionate about helping people understand banking and teaching sound financial practices. He values the opportunity to contribute to his community while supporting his family.
Linda Sitterley | Copy Rite Printing
Linda Sitterley was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, in a blue-collar family where most people worked for General Motors. After high school, she moved to Pasadena, California, to attend college, where she later married and started her family. Seeking a better environment for their children, Linda and her family visited Oregon, fell in love with the state, and settled on a three-acre property west of Junction City nearly 35 years ago.
Linda began working outside the home shortly after moving to Lane County, spending about nine years in customer service at Skopil’s Cleaners in Eugene and assisting her husband with his publishing business. This experience led her to the printing industry, where she worked at The Best Little Printhouse for almost 16 years. After the owners retired, Linda transitioned to Copy Rite, where she has been employed for around 16 years.
Active in the community, Linda serves on the board for the Tri-County Chamber and participates in several committees. She is also the lead pastor for her congregation, Grace Communion River Road, and is involved with Greeters and the McKenzie Business Association. Linda looks forward to exploring new opportunities through the LES Program.
Lydia Sundberg | Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Lydia Sundberg recently moved to Oregon with her partner and their two dogs, Argos and Apollo. With a passion for lifting up underserved communities and breaking down barriers to critical resources, Lydia has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector. After earning a degree in Latin American Studies from Colorado State University, she focused on serving Latinx populations through community-centric communications and marketing. One of her notable projects involved developing an ambassador program for first-generation students from low-income households, allowing them to document and share their unique stories and perspectives about being the first in their families to attend college.
Since relocating to Oregon last fall, Lydia has taken on the role of Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Willamalane Park and Recreation District. In this position, she has collaborated with local organizations and schools, gathered community input on a new development project in an underserved area, and enhanced the quality of Spanish-language resources available to community members. Lydia feels fortunate to live and work in this community and is committed to making it more accessible for all.
Liz Tate | Mereté Hotel Management
Liz Tate is an experienced hospitality professional with over 10 years of experience and plays a key role at Mereté Hotel Management. Over the past several years, she has deepened her involvement in the hospitality and tourism industry, earning certificates in Sustainable Tourism from Arizona State University and Cultural Heritage Tourism from George Washington University. Liz is also active in a committee with the American Hotel and Lodging Association, where she focuses on empowering women within the industry.
Liz is passionate about becoming a vital resource for Native communities in the hospitality sector, driven by her desire to make a positive impact. In addition to her professional endeavors, she is dedicated to volunteering and giving back within the Eugene-Springfield community. In her spare time, Liz enjoys hiking with her family, taking neighborhood walks, and exercising at the Y.
Justin Thibedeau | Connected Lane County
Justin Thibedeau has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Connected Lane County’s Spark program, contributing significantly to its development from the very beginning. His unwavering commitment is evident in his efforts to develop curricula, acquire necessary supplies, manage equipment, train staff and mentors, and engage directly with young people. As the Associate Director and Program Manager of Spark and Excelerators, Justin continues to enhance the program and expand the organization’s impact throughout Lane County.
With extensive experience coordinating maker spaces and engineering labs, Justin empowers young people to explore STEM fields and computer science pathways through hands-on design challenges and innovative curricula. His dedication to youth education and community empowerment has greatly contributed to the success of Connected Lane County, positively impacting the lives of many young individuals.
Jordan Thompson | Advance Cabinet Designs Inc.
Jordan Thompson was born and raised in Eugene and has been a proud member of the community for most of his life. A graduate of Churchill High School, Jordan attended Mt. Hood Community College and Linn-Benton Community College, where he played baseball, before studying business and economics at the University of Oregon. While at the University, Jordan discovered his passion for craftsmanship while working for Bineham Construction. This passion led him to Advance Cabinet Designs, where he initially worked part-time in the estimating office. After deciding to focus on his career, he transitioned to a full-time role and has served as the Lead Estimator for the past seven years. In this position, Jordan has managed projects ranging from local installations to large-scale endeavors like the new Camas Ridge Elementary.
Jordan currently lives just outside Eugene on an acre of land with his wife, dog, and two cats. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, spending time outdoors, attending Oregon Duck sporting events, and working on various projects around his property.
Learn more about the Leadership Eugene Springfield (LES) program.
