Leadership Bend Graduating Class

The Bend Chamber, in partnership with TaylorNorthwest and Taylor Development, is pleased to announce the graduates of the Leadership Bend Class of 2026. On June 2, 2026, 32 participants completed the nine-month program and joined the Leadership Bend alumni network.

“The Leadership Bend Class of 2026 represents the kind of collaborative, community-minded leadership our region needs. This group showed up ready to learn, connect, and engage with the issues impacting Central Oregon,” shared Talena Barker, Bend Chamber Vice President of Leadership Development. “What’s especially exciting is seeing them already apply what they’ve learned through volunteerism, civic engagement, and by stepping into leadership roles across the community.”

“Joining the Chamber staff team and immediately seeing the commitment, heart and dedication to solving community questions within Leadership Bend participants was inspiring. Each member of this group is demonstrating how to step up as a community leader and why that’s so important” shared Chris Hart, BendNEXT Foundation Executive Director.

Participants brought unique perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and tenures in Central Oregon, contributing to thoughtful dialogue around the region’s opportunities and challenges.

What they share is a commitment to Bend and Central Oregon. Over nine months, participants spent more than 90 class hours learning firsthand about local issues and opportunities through conversations with community decision-makers and interactive experiences. They also completed four impact projects supporting local nonprofits and built lasting relationships that foster continued collaboration and community engagement.

Members of the 33rd Leadership Bend class are now part of a network of 758 alumni who have graduated from the program since 1993.