Leadership Bend

We love seeing this kind of support for Leadership Bend!

Thank you to SAJ Architecture for celebrating Scott’s participation and for continuing to support employees who invest their time in learning more about our region, building connections and growing as community leaders.

We’re grateful for all the employers who encourage and support members of the Class of 2027 throughout their Leadership Bend journey!

Congratulations to Scott Winters on being selected to participate in Leadership Bend's Class of 2027!

As a job captain at SĀJ Architecture, Scott designs projects ranging from multifamily housing to K-12 schools. He is currently working on the Heppner K-12 School conversion and modernization for Morrow County School District and Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity's Westcliff Homes, an affordable housing neighborhood in southwest Redmond.

Since 2018, Scott has also served on the City of Bend, Oregon Government Planning Commission, which provides recommendations to city council on amendments to Bend's comprehensive plan and development code.

Leadership Bend is a nine-month community leadership program run by the Bend Chamber to educate and connect emerging Central Oregon leaders. Previous Leadership Bend graduates at SĀJ include Principal Architect Seth Anderson, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Project Manager Amy McCarthy Smith, and Project Architect Nathanael Werner.

Your experience can make a difference.

The Bend Chamber is looking for business owners and senior leaders who are ready to give back to the community that has helped their business grow.

As a member of our Board of Directors, you'll help set the Chamber's strategic direction, champion a strong business climate and support the long-term success of Central Oregon.

Applications for four open Board positions close August 21.

Learn more and apply today: https://www.bendchamber.org/news/help-shape-the-future-of-bends-business-community

The Bend Chamber and BendNEXT Foundation are pleased to announce the Leadership Bend Class of 2027, the newest cohort selected for one of Central Oregon's longest-running leadership development programs.

As Leadership Bend enters its 34th year, this diverse group of professionals will spend the next nine months exploring the complex issues shaping our region, engaging with community leaders and decision-makers, strengthening their leadership skills, and building relationships across the business, nonprofit, civic, and public sectors.

Since 1993, Leadership Bend has graduated 758 alumni who continue to make meaningful contributions to Central Oregon through business leadership, board service, volunteerism, civic engagement, elected office, and countless other leadership roles.

Congratulations to the Class of 2027. We look forward to seeing the impact this exceptional group will make in our community.

Learn more about this year's cohort: https://www.bendchamber.org/news/leadership-bend-class-of-2027-cohort-announced

Are you thinking of applying for Leadership Bend, or would you like to refer a colleague or friend? Please consider attending the May 28 informational session at 4:30 pm to learn more about the program application, level of commitment, graduation requirements and more. Share with interested parties!

LB Informational Session Learn About Leadership Bend + How to Apply

The way we work is changing - and the BEST teams are changing with it. Our sister program, Bend Emerging Talent is delighted to host national speaker, author and workplace strategist Lisa X. Walden for a high impact and engaging keynote presentation on May 14 at 4:30 pm. Details at the link below. Wherever you are in your career, you'll benefit from actionable insights to shift mindsets, strengthen communication and create environments where people and performance thrive! Networking afterparty with food and drink to follow at Mountain Burger in NWX. See you there?

ET Expert Lab Keynote Speaker In this lively, insight-packed session, you’ll learn how to create a more authentic, empowering workplace.

Incredible news! The Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund has awarded us a matching grant of $10,000! Help us make the match by contributing today and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Leadership and Workforce Development Match Give to our matching grant, supporting the Leadership Bend, NEXTUp Leaders and Bend Emerging Talent programs - and double your impact. Thanks to the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, every contribution will be matched, up to $10,000. 

A wonderful two days of connection and learning for the Class of 2026! Thank you to all the sponsors, speakers and supporters that make this annual retreat possible.