Interim CEO

Sara Odendahl is a seasoned public affair professional with deep expertise in policy development, strategic communications, and nonprofit leadership. Prior to stepping into the role of Interim CEO, she served as the Bend Chamber’s Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Communications, where she led the organization’s policy initiatives and spearheaded its Workforce Housing Initiative—an effort focused on advancing attainable housing solutions for the region’s workforce.

Sara’s career spans over a decade in government affairs, including ten years as a political consultant and lobbyist at the Colorado State Capitol. Her work has focused on health care, public health, early childhood education, and local economic development. She also brings agency-side experience in issue-based communications, branding, and advocacy strategy.

She holds a Master’s in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Colorado Denver and a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communications from CU Boulder. A collaborative and strategic leader, Sara is passionate about building partnerships and solving complex community challenges.

Originally from California and having spent much of her career in Colorado, Sara now calls Bend home. She and her husband, Kent, own and operate Work-Collective, a local coworking business with locations in NorthWest Crossing and Midtown. Together, they enjoy raising their two daughters and exploring Central Oregon with their Golden Retriever, Oliver.

For more information about the Chamber’s Advocacy Council, please contact:

Sara Odendahl, Interim CEO

+1 303-506-2348

sara@bendchamber.org