Springfield Chamber Board Chair and Members Receive Awards in 2025

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates Deborah “Debi” Creager, CFO/COO of Chambers Construction and current chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, who has been named the recipient of the Jean Richardson Industry Impact Award – a top honor in the Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC)’s 2025 Women of Vision Awards. Creager will be recognized during a ceremony on Thursday, October 23 at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland. The Chamber is also thrilled to recognize two board members who made the 20 Under 40 list, and announce a new Leadership Spotlight series to come.

Celebrating a ‘unicorn’ leader
The DJC Women of Vision program honors women who are shaping the built environment through leadership, mentoring and innovation. The Jean Richardson Industry Impact Award, named after Oregon’s first female civil engineer, celebrates a woman whose professional influence extends across the construction industry and whose work creates lasting opportunities for others. Since 2012, Creager has been a partner of Chambers Construction and remains the only woman on the five-member ownership team.

Springfield Chamber president & CEO, Vonnie Mikkelsen and Debi Creager (left); Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce president & CEO, Brittany Quick-Warner, Chambers Construction president & CEO, Dave Bakke and Debi Creager celebrating the 70th anniversary of Chambers Construction. June, 2025.

Creager’s recognition reflects decades of leadership and service to both her industry and the local business community. Through her work with Chambers Construction, she has helped guide one of the region’s most respected firms while maintaining a strong commitment to community development.

“[Debi] was pivotal in establishing our apprenticeship program for journeyman carpenters in 2017, and that fire for mentoring and caring for our industry’s youth and future is strong in her.”

– Joy Pendowski, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Chambers Construction

Joy Pendowski, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Chambers Construction, nominated Creager for the award. “Every company has a unicorn or two,” Pendowski explained in her nomination letter. “Debi is one of those for us. […] The beauty with Debi is that if you ever have a question or don’t understand something, she will stop what she is doing, and she will show you and explain to you what you need to know. And Debi does this all with grace, no matter who you are or what level you are in the company.” A strong advocate for workforce development, Creager has poured her heart and soul into fostering a culture that supports those that are new to the field.

Debi Creager welcomes Chamber members and guests to the Springfiled Chamber’s Open House celebration. April, 2025.

Chambers Construction has been a steadfast supporter and investor in the Springfield Chamber’s mission, including efforts to strengthen workforce development programs and expand business advocacy efforts. As board chair, Creager continues to bring a thoughtful and collaborative approach to leadership.

Two recognized in 20 Under 40 list
The Springfield Chamber is also proud to celebrate David Hill of Tribal One and Allie Camp of the City of Springfield, who were both named among the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 20 Under 40 honorees earlier this year. Each exemplifies exceptional professional leadership and civic engagement in their fields, bringing energy, vision and innovation to their roles. The Springfield Chamber commends Hill and Camp for their achievements and the incredible enthusiasm they bring to the Chamber’s board of directors.

Allie Camp, Economic Development Manager, City of Springfield

David Hill, Director of Economic Development – Lane County Operations, Tribal One

Introducing the Leadership Spotlight series
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to feature its board of directors through a new Leadership Spotlight series, beginning in November 2025. These profiles will highlight the individuals who help guide the Chamber’s mission to create a strong economy and a prosperous community by supporting, representing and connecting local businesses.

The series will begin with individual featured articles that share each board member’s unique professional insights, community impact, and vision for Springfield’s future. Stay tuned for the first installment later this fall!