Leadership Bend Graduating Class

The Bend Chamber, in partnership with Taylor Northwest, is pleased to announce the Leadership Bend Class of 2025 graduates. Thirty-two outstanding individuals formally graduated from the Leadership Bend program on June 10, 2025.

“The Class of 2025 jumped into this program with energy and purpose—eager to learn, make connections, and, best of all, put that learning into action right away. Alongside their work on individual impact projects, many have already joined boards, volunteered for local causes, served on advisory committees, and shared their perspectives on key public issues,” shared Talena Barker, Bend Chamber Vice President of Leadership Development. “I’m truly confident in their ability to make a real difference in our community and play a vital role in helping our region thrive as it continues to grow.”

These participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds and industries, and differing lengths of time living in Central Oregon.

What they all have in common is a commitment to Bend and our region, and a willingness to work collaboratively to create a strong future for all. Over the course of nine months, they spent more than 90 class hours learning about local challenges and opportunities firsthand from decision-makers, and through interactive work. They also completed four impact projects outside class hours and carved out time to connect and nurture their relationships with one another.