On June 24, the BendNEXT Foundation, alongside friends, supporters, and colleagues, celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the NEXTUp Leaders Program. Over five months, this group of rising leaders learned, collaborated, and strengthened their leadership skills together.
Throughout the program, respected Central Oregon leaders and subject-matter experts shared practical tools, real-world insights and guidance to help participants strengthen their leadership skills. Through interactive discussions and peer engagement, participants built meaningful professional connections and expanded their cross-sector networks.
These graduates are now equipped with a stronger set of leadership tools and a broader fabric of connections and have walked side by side with their organizations to outline the next steps in their careers. The NEXTUp Leaders Program supports the mission of the Bend Chamber and BendNEXT Foundation by investing in local talent and strengthening the organizations that help Bend thrive.
The NEXTUp Leaders Class of 2026
- Anne Birky, Bend-La Pine Schools
- Nicole Browning, Merete Hotels
- Lindsay Buccafurni, Central Oregon Community College
- Rachel Cotton, U.S. Bank
- Meah Cukrov, Riley Wigle CPA
- Trevin Davis, HDR Inc.
- Bola Gbadebo, Bola Films
- Camryn Guzman, U.S. Bank
- Kirsten Habermann, Riley Wigle CPA
- Jeremy Hansen, OSU-Cascades
- Rob Johnson, Bend-La Pine Schools
- Nathaniel Kavanaugh, U.S. Bank
- Rachel Kenney, OSU-Cascades
- Rio Lingelbach, Old Mill District
- Ciea Palmer, RealPage
- Gabriela Peden, Better Together Central Oregon
- Maille Ryan, Morrison-Maierle
- Daisy Sarfo, Latino Community Association
- Dak Shepherd, U.S. Bank
Special thanks to U.S. Bank for its title sponsorship of Bend Emerging Talent programming and commitment to supporting this community’s rising leaders through the NEXTUp Leaders program. We are also deeply grateful to the subject matter experts who shared their knowledge and insight with the class:
- Brittania Wright, Organizational Development Consultant, St. Charles Health System
- Su Embree, Founder of Soos, Cofounder of The Script, and Former Owner of DHM Research
- TJ Murphy, Owner, Hite Digital
- Jenn Kovitz, Community Engagement and Government Affairs Manager, Hayden Homes
- Cyrus Mooney, Business Development Manager, City of Bend
- Morgan Schmidt, Executive Director, Red Cross of Central and Eastern Oregon
- Kristi Runberg, Nursing Manager, St. Charles Healthcare
- Erik Berglund, Founder, Language of Leadership
"I am continually impressed by this group or rising leaders and their commitment to growth, stretching their leadership skills, and drive to expand their networks. The magic of these lessons continues through peer mentorship, coaching, and advocacy long after graduation, and I can’t wait to watch these talented leaders continue to grow and shape Central Oregon," said Chris Hart, Executive Director of the BendNEXT Foundation.
To learn more about the NEXTUp Leaders program, visit https://bendchamber.org/nextup-leaders/.
