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Emily Boyd. Government Affairs Manager, Bend Chamber
Professional Accomplishments:
Emily brings more than a decade of experience spanning public policy, political campaigns, nonprofit and community work, communications, event production and the private sector to her role as government affairs manager at the Bend Chamber. Her career began in legislative affairs, tracking and translating policy developments across all 50 states and Congress, and has included national political advance work, community-based training and advocacy, private-sector roles, and entrepreneurship.
At the Bend Chamber, Emily leads public policy and advocacy efforts, serving as a connector between Bend’s business community and policymakers at the local, regional and state levels. She helps shape the Chamber’s legislative agenda, analyzes policy issues affecting the regional business climate, develops testimony and policy positions, launched and authors the Chamber’s Advocacy in Action newsletter, and translates complicated issues into information businesses can understand and act on. She also manages the Chamber’s Advocacy Council and leads advocacy programming that creates opportunities for businesses, elected officials and community leaders to engage directly with one another.
Emily’s career has also given her a front-row seat to politics at nearly every level. She has worked on congressional campaigns, trained prospective candidates and campaign leaders, and led national political events. She is also the founder of Wield Co., a small business created to help independent authors build sustainable careers through public relations, events and brand management - an experience that has strengthened both her entrepreneurial spirit and her appreciation for what it takes to build and operate something of your own.
A proud CU Boulder graduate, Emily completed her undergraduate degree in just three years, an early reflection of the curiosity, ambition and eagerness to stretch beyond her comfort zone that has continued throughout her career.
Civic, Industry & Community Involvement:
Emily’s work is rooted in the belief that strong communities are built through relationships and collaboration. Through the Bend Chamber, she works with businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and elected leaders on issues central to Central Oregon’s economic future, including housing, childcare, infrastructure, workforce development and the overall cost and predictability of doing business. Across her experiences, Emily has been most energized by work that connects people who might not otherwise find themselves at the same table and creates space for productive conversation about complicated issues.
Specific Characteristics that Distinguish Them from Their Peers:
Emily has the unique ability to be both politically astute and deeply human. She is curious and warm, listens before advocating, and looks for common ground without avoiding hard conversations. She pairs thoughtful analysis with authentic relationships, bringing humility, strong instincts, and a genuine willingness to learn and grow professionally.
Business Leadership Philosophy:
Emily believes good advocacy starts with listening. She approaches policy and partnerships with curiosity, preparation, respect, and a solution-oriented mindset. Her goal isn’t simply to make the strongest argument in the room, but to understand what is driving different perspectives, identify areas of common ground, and help move conversations toward practical solutions.
Ultimately, Emily sees advocacy as a form of relationship-building. Whether she is working with a small-business owner, community partner, policymaker or colleague, she wants people to feel heard and respected, even when they disagree. Her goal is to build trust across differing viewpoints and connect public policy decisions to the real experiences of businesses, workers, and communities.
Excerpt originally published in Cascade Business News as part of its 2026 Accomplished 40 & Under feature.
