ABOUT

I’ve lived and worked in Bend for the past 12 years, raising my children here and watching them grow within this incredible community. My professional background is in nonprofit healthcare leadership, where collaboration, strategic thinking, and a deep sense of service have been at the heart of my work. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong connection to Bend—not just as a place to live and work, but as a community I deeply care about. I'm passionate about thoughtful growth that supports our evolving needs while preserving the small-town, friendly atmosphere that makes Bend special. I value inclusivity and teamwork, and I believe in listening first, then leading with purpose. I'm excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of Downtown Bend in a way that reflects our shared values and unique local culture.

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST ASSETS?

People & Community Vibe Downtown Bend has that small-town feel where people know each other, say hi on the street, and genuinely care about the community. There’s a strong local pride here, and it shows up in everything from events to the way businesses support each other. Amazing and Unique Local Businesses The heart of downtown is all the locally-owned shops, restaurants, and cafes. They give the area so much personality and charm—and they’re a big part of what makes Bend feel different from anywhere else. You can tell the people running these places really love what they do. Walkable & Beautiful You can park once and explore so much on foot—grab a bite, do some shopping, catch a view of the river, all without driving around. Plus, the natural beauty surrounding downtown makes it such a great place to spend time, whether you're a local or showing off the town to visitors.

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES?

Supporting Thoughtful Growth As Bend continues to grow, downtown has a real opportunity to evolve in a way that keeps its charm while meeting new needs—like improved infrastructure, more diverse businesses, and increased accessibility. We can welcome change without losing what makes downtown special. Fostering Inclusivity & Connection There’s room to bring even more people into the fold—whether that’s through community events, partnerships with underrepresented groups, or making sure all locals feel seen, heard, and welcome downtown. A more connected community makes a stronger downtown. Balancing Local Life with Tourism Downtown is a draw for visitors, which is great—but there’s an opportunity to better balance the needs of tourists with the everyday experience of locals. Creating spaces and events that are enjoyable for both can help maintain that local vibe while still supporting a strong economy.

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST CHALLENGES?

Balancing Growth Without Losing Character Bend is growing fast, and that can put pressure on the small-town charm that makes downtown special. The challenge is how to welcome new development and opportunity without turning downtown into something that feels too commercial or disconnected from its roots. Affordability for Small Businesses & Locals Rising rents and operating costs are making it harder for small, locally-owned businesses to stay downtown. At the same time, workers and residents are feeling the pinch too. If we don’t find creative solutions, we risk losing the very people and places that give downtown its identity. Infrastructure & Parking Pressure With more people visiting and living here, things like parking, pedestrian flow, and public amenities are feeling the strain. It’s a challenge to improve infrastructure in a way that supports foot traffic, access for all, and sustainability—without losing that walkable, cozy feel.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THE DBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

Through my deep appreciation for our community—especially the unique character of Downtown Bend. It’s where so many of us connect, celebrate, and support one another. As Bend continues to grow, I feel strongly about helping downtown evolve in a way that keeps its small-town, friendly feel while welcoming new ideas and people. I’m passionate about thoughtful, inclusive growth that reflects the values of the people who live and work here. I believe in collaboration, creative problem-solving, and leading with heart—all of which I’ve practiced in my professional life and community involvement. I see real opportunities ahead: supporting local businesses, ensuring downtown stays accessible and welcoming for all, and keeping the spirit of Bend alive amid change. I also recognize the challenges—rising costs, infrastructure strain, and the delicate balance between tourism and local life. I want to be part of the solution, bringing both a collaborative mindset and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of this community. Joining the DBBA board feels like a meaningful way to give back and help shape the future of a place I love.