ABOUT

Currently the Director, Destination Stewardship for Visit Bend. Leading up to his role at Visit Bend, Zavier is the founder of Vámonos Outside, where he championed outdoor recreation access for underrepresented groups. After that served as the Community Relations Manager for the City of Bend, where he developed and managed communication strategies to promote equity and engagement across diverse communities. Most recently, serving as the Regional Solutions Coordinator for the Oregon Governor’s Office, where he advanced cross-sector partnerships to address complex regional challenges in Central and South Central Oregon. His work connects state, local, Tribal, and business leaders to create innovative, long-term solutions. Zavier’s commitment to community extends through his volunteer leadership. He is the Board President of the Latino Community Association and serves on boards and committees such as the Heart of Oregon Corps, Gray Family Foundation, a grant reviewer for the Oregon Community Foundation, and the Roundhouse Foundation. Additionally, he has been an elected Board Member for Bend Park & Recreation District. Zavier holds a degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University and an Outdoor Industry Leadership Certificate from Oregon State University. His expertise lies in connecting people, organizations, and ideas to drive inclusive growth, environmental stewardship, and meaningful change.

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST ASSETS?

It's location, being centrally located, with rapid extreme growth - the ability to shape what the future of downtown Bend is, the people in downtown (biz, orgs, gov) all do care about this place.

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES?

First Friday (to me and maybe through first hand experience, seems to be just a place for free alcohol) has the potential to be so much more, strategically figure out what is the identity of DT as the City grows, lastly, to be a vibrant place that people want to come visit and spend time in

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST CHALLENGES?

Parking, lack of identity, people being silioed

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

Downtown Bend holds a special place in my heart—not just as a native Central Oregonian, but as someone deeply committed to fostering community, sustainability, and economic vitality in the region. With my background in destination stewardship, community engagement, and trust-based philanthropy, I understand the delicate balance between economic growth and preserving what makes a place special. In my current role, I’ve been focused on aligning tourism with community values—supporting local nonprofits, enhancing public spaces, and ensuring that funding serves both visitors and residents alike. I see Downtown Bend as the heartbeat of our community and a key touchpoint for those values. By joining the board, I’d bring a community-first lens, a passion for connecting people and purpose, and a desire to help make Downtown not just a destination, but a vibrant, inclusive hub for all who live, work, and visit here!