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Associate principal Katie Hall, right (photo courtesy of Hennebery Eddy)
By Katie Hall, Associate Principal, Hennebery Eddy
Associate Principal Katie Hall graduated from Leadership Bend in June 2026. Here, she reflects on her experience and lessons learned from the program.
About Leadership Bend
A program of Bend Chamber, Leadership Bend has connected emerging leaders to meaningful civic and professional roles across Central Oregon for more than 30 years. Over the course of the nine-month program, participants completed more than 90 hours of coursework and community engagement and through conversations with local decision-makers and hands-on experiences, gained firsthand insight into the region’s opportunities and challenges. The members of the 33rd Leadership Bend class join a network of more than 750 alumni who have completed the program since 1993.
What did you learn through the program that surprised you most about your community?
I was surprised to learn about water rights and the complexities surrounding water in Central Oregon. It was fascinating to hear the different perspectives on the issue, understand the history, and learn about water plans for the future. Water is essential to our agriculture, food systems, and overall community health, and it became clear to me that any decision regarding water has long-lasting impacts on everyone in the region, including our water access and ecosystems.
I was also amazed by the scale and impact of our Parks and Recreation District. It’s obvious that our parks are well used, but learning the actual numbers behind participation and programming was eye-opening. The reach and influence of Parks and Rec in supporting quality of life across Central Oregon is truly remarkable.
Can you share a specific moment, speaker, or experience that shifted how you think about community leadership?
More than any single speaker or moment, I was inspired by the number of people who actively invest their time and energy in our community. Having moved from the Eugene-Springfield area to a smaller community, I have been impressed by the turnout for events, fundraisers, and activities that bring people together.
I am continually humbled by the dedicated individuals who show up, support organizations, and lead efforts that benefit both a specific cause and the broader Central Oregon community. Given how quickly our region has grown, one of my biggest takeaways is that change is the only constant. Effective community leadership means embracing change, adapting thoughtfully, and helping others navigate it along the way.
How has this experience changed how you show up as a leader—professionally or in your community?
This experience has helped me become more intentional about where I invest my time and energy. Moving to a new community while starting a new role was a significant transition, and Leadership Bend provided both a deeper understanding of Central Oregon and a meaningful network of relationships. I am especially grateful for the cohort of people I met through the program. The connections, friendships, and access to community leaders have expanded my perspective on the organizations driving growth, resilience, and positive change throughout our region. I’m particularly inspired by organizations such as WorkSource Oregon, our educational and career technical education (CTE) programs, and KIDS Center. Supporting workforce development, education, housing, and economic opportunity is critical to maintaining a thriving and resilient community. At the same time, ensuring that children have access to safety, advocacy, and trauma-informed care reflects the values that make a community healthy and strong.
Central Oregon is fortunate to have so many inspiring leaders, and this experience has encouraged me to find meaningful ways to contribute, support others, and become more engaged in the place I now call home. As I continue to deepen my roots in this community, finding opportunities to partner with organizations that align with my values and demonstrate authentic leadership is especially important to me. Meaningful community engagement comes from shared purpose, trust, and a commitment to serving others, and I look forward to finding ways to contribute to the continued growth and success of Central Oregon.
