Biff Traber (pictured above in the center) began his first four-year term as mayor of Corvallis in January 2015, winning re-election in 2018. He served two terms on the Corvallis City Council in Ward 8 before being elected mayor, and he currently serves on the board of the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG), as well as other local and regional boards. Before entering public service, Biff was an executive in the software industry.

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What did you like most about participating in Leadership Corvallis?

“By the time I took the class, I had been living in Corvallis for five years, but my work had me traveling three weeks out of each four, so I was a resident – but not really a participant in Corvallis life. The breadth of the class let me see all the aspects of the city.”

Describe your most memorable experience volunteering or serving in a leadership position in the community. Why is this experience so important to you?

“Becoming mayor of this great little city is my most memorable experience. It is the ultimate goal of my work to have an impact on Corvallis and to give back in general.”

What is your biggest accomplishment in your current line of work?

“Given my line of work is now politician/mayor, my biggest single accomplishment since then has been re-election. The most rewarding part of the job is making progress on resolving the various challenges to the city and incrementally improving who and what we are as a community.”

What is one surprising thing about you that not many people know?

“I am really quite a shy person – an introvert – which is surprising for someone who is now a politician. Over my adult life I have learned by doing and being willing to try something when I had the opportunity. On a more mundane level, I have lived in Corvallis longer than I have ever lived anywhere. And I am still a newbie!”

If you could recommend one thing to incoming Leadership Corvallis participants, what would that be? 

“Keep a broad open mind. Even if you have lived or worked here for a while, there are always new things to know. Connect with your classmates and with the presenters after the class. Encourage the presenters to explain what’s behind the information they are presenting to your class.”

What did you like most about participating in Leadership Corvallis?

“The people I met, the people I learned so much from. I gained a real understanding of how the city and county governments, the educational system, the business community, the civic organizations and the nonprofits work, interact and impact one another. Many classmates who were strangers then have become dear friends. New connections made then have led to numerous collaborative relationships since. And I discovered so many new ways in which I could be of service to the community.”

Describe your most memorable experience volunteering or serving in a leadership position in the community. Why is this experience so important to you?

“It has been my good fortune to be asked to be a part of community groups formed to help pass local option levy measures for the city and the county and a bond measure for the school district. I’m repeatedly re-energized by the commitment others bring to these ‘make or break’ efforts. It’s a joy to work alongside people who give so much of themselves to keep Corvallis special, and strive mightily to make it a better place for all of us.”

What is your biggest accomplishment in your current line of work or what is the most rewarding part of your job?

“I sold my ad agency in Silicon Valley just after the turn of the century. My wife and I moved here in 2005 to be near our grandson (and now a granddaughter, too). The most important ‘job’ I have now is watching them grow up, and the most rewarding part of it is seeing what amazing young people they are growing to be. When I’m not busy taking their pictures or telling them corny jokes, I’m inspired by the leaders of nonprofits whose passion for their causes keep Corvallis moving forward and find great satisfaction in helping them with their pushing and prodding and pulling.”

What is one surprising thing about you that not many people know?

“I really do not like speaking in public – not before groups of citizens, members of clubs, students in classes or any other assembled body – not anywhere, not at any time. Until now, only my wife knew this. Over the course of 53 years of listening to my moaning and groaning as each speech date drew nearer, she has repeatedly reminded me that when asked to ‘say a few words’ I shouldn’t say yes when my innards are screaming no. To which I always pitifully reply ‘I have to remember that next time.’ (A really surprising thing is that she has put up with me for all these years.)”

If you could recommend one thing to incoming Leadership Corvallis participants, what would that be? 

“Come with an open mind and an open heart. Be prepared for an eye-opening, informative, educational, at times entertaining, and always awesome experience. Expect to leave with your heart and mind overflowing with ideas for improving communication, cooperation and collaboration among all the entities working for the betterment of all of us here, and a commitment to do more than your part to help. Leadership Corvallis is a labor of love for our community. And whatever class year you’re fortunate enough to be accepted into, will surely be the best class ever!”

More about Curt:

Curt Wright has more than 40 years of experience in management and marketing. He was a founding partner of BF&W Advertising in 1969, and its CEO until his early retirement in 2001, helping to build it into one of the leading ad agencies in Silicon Valley. Curt was also mayor and a council member for the City of Morgan Hill (California) in the late 80s. He has held leadership positions with numerous nonprofit organizations, spanning more than 45 years of civic involvement, and has received many honors for his community service, including Morgan Hill “Citizen of the Year” (2000), and Celebrate Corvallis “Senior First Citizen” (2010). In addition to his past involvement with Leadership Corvallis, Curt is currently chair of the City of Corvallis Budget Commission, a citizen member of the Benton County Budget Committee, a citizen representative on the Corvallis/Benton County Economic Vitality Partnership, a member of the marketing task force for Heartland Humane Society, and a member of the marketing advisory group for the Corvallis Repertory Singers.

Scott Zimbrick Small Business Scholarship:

Leadership Corvallis 2018-19 participant Echo Alexzander is the 2018-19 recipient of the Scott Zimbrick Small Business Scholarship, which provides financial assistance based on need and service to the community of an existing small businessperson or independent consultant. This scholarship is given in his name to a person who will be encouraged to carry on his legacy of community service.

“As a business owner, it can be hard to slow down and take time for ourselves, for personal development and community leadership opportunities,” Echo says. “I would encourage people to consider doing so and to be aware of the opportunity for financial support available to help them be involved via the Scott Zimbrick Small Business Scholarship. As businesses do more with less each year, this scholarship might just be the boost that you need to be able to participate in LC and bring back what you learn to your business and others you work with!”

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What have you liked the most about participating in Leadership Corvallis so far?

“Even though I was actively involved in Corvallis before joining the LC 2019 cohort (best class EVER by the way), I have been so fascinated with everything I had to learn about the city, services and inner workings in so many areas. In each class, I’m taking notes and always thinking ‘how can I share what I am learning here with others?’”

Describe your most memorable experience volunteering or serving in a leadership position in the community.

“I began involvement in the Community Independent Business Alliance (CIBA) group in spring 2018 and quickly found myself taking a lead (volunteer) role in reviewing and reviving this great local group. Over the last year, I have been so encouraged by the work we have done locally in the small business community and how I have been able to serve them in a number of capacities from Buy Local First to a social media re-launch.

Though the group is facing challenges, I have been proud to represent them on City Club panel discussions and believe in the work they are doing. Possibly the most impactful way that I have been able to help the organization was creating a space for CIBA and other local business support groups to come together and share openly and honestly with one another in hopes of gathering strength together and evolving in a way to better serve our community, our economy and our businesses. I will look back with fond memories with all the business owners I have been able to build a relationship with and know the impact that we made together to build a stronger Corvallis day by day.”

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

“As an entrepreneur, I constantly am wearing a number of different hats in a single day. I enjoy the challenge of personal growth and innovation that is required to be successful in the business world today. I am thankful for the freedom and flexibility my businesses offer me and that I have a platform to positively impact the lives of those around me!”

What is one surprising thing about you not many people know?

“My name Echo was a prophetic gifting to echo the voice of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to share my faith with people in the world. I strive daily to speak this truth and life.”

If you could recommend one thing to incoming Leadership Corvallis participants, what would that be?

“Take the time to invest in this program! If you aren’t sure if you want to apply or are waiting for a better time, just jump in! You will meet incredible people and will be so well-equipped to be involved and serve at a higher level in our community. We need more leaders to rise up!”

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More about Echo:

Echo Alexzander is an entrepreneur and small-business owner in Corvallis. She and her husband James own and operate FIRST Corvallis, a local business that is ‘The PREMIER Wellness Center in Corvallis.’ They have been growing and serving the Corvallis and surrounding communities for eight years this December.

In prior careers, Echo has worked in health care IT and project management, and traveled all over the U.S. as a senior consultant. Working with companies including the Mayo Clinic, Stanford Children’s Health, Trinity Health, Deloitte and The Advisory Board Company, she has been a part of best practice health care and process improvement in a number of ways. She now is building a Young Living Essential Oils network marketing business full time with her tribe. Combining her knowledge of wellness, empowerment of others and love of saving people money, this has been an exciting transition over the last year and perfect fit for her.

Echo has bachelor degrees in health care administration and business administration and graduated as an NCAA collegiate athlete throwing the javelin on the track team.

In Corvallis, Echo is an active member of the community through many business, civic and volunteer organizations, including the Community Independent Business Alliance (CIBA), Corvallis NBG, Red Cross, Stone Soup Kitchen, Love Inc., CARDV, Furniture Share and many more. With a heart to teach and serve, she loves being an active part of positive change.

Leadership Corvallis involvement:

Julie Jones Manning was part of a small work group assembled by Hans Neukomm, Sr. in the early 1990s to develop what was to become the Leadership Corvallis program. “I was so excited about the concept that I ended up applying to the program myself, and I was a member of the first Leadership Corvallis class,” she says. Since then, she’s served in a variety of roles for the program, including as a board member, committee chair, day session organizer and as a member of the advisory board. She’s also been a speaker at two of the Leadership Corvallis graduation celebrations and was honored to be the first recipient of the Hans Neukomm award.

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What did you like most about participating in Leadership Corvallis?

“I most enjoyed learning from current community leaders about how local decisions are made and how interested individuals can become involved in the process. I also enjoyed getting to know the other class members (as well as other alumni over the years), and developing a great network of friends and colleagues.”

Describe your most memorable experience volunteering or serving in a leadership position in the community.

“Serving as Corvallis mayor (from 2011-14) was a memorable volunteer experience in many ways. I learned a great deal about the many ways volunteers enhance and contribute to our local quality of life through their efforts. I enjoyed working with the City Council, city staff and the members of the city’s various boards and commissions to develop and strengthen local programs and services. In addition, I loved meeting with students of all ages, as well as representing the city in a variety of settings.”

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

“Much of my role with Samaritan Health Services involves working with community partners on many health-related initiatives, and I love that collaborative process. I also enjoy working with the outstanding professionals in my own department and throughout our organization, who are committed to our mission of ‘building healthier communities together.’”

What is one surprising thing about you not many people know?

“I grew up in a very small community (Rhododendron, Oregon, in the Mount Hood area), and spent many evenings and weekends on the nearby ski slopes.”

If you could recommend one thing to incoming Leadership Corvallis participants, what would that be?

“Ask questions of the community leaders who are Leadership Corvallis presenters. Learn from their experiences, and envision what your own path will be toward community service and volunteers. In this important work, the more the merrier!”

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More about Julie:

Julie serves as the vice president for marketing, public relations and community health promotion at Samaritan Health Services, a Corvallis-based regional health system comprising hospitals, physicians and health plans serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties.

In addition to her responsibilities at Samaritan Health, Julie completed a four-year term as mayor of Corvallis in December 2014. During her tenure, she was appointed by former Gov. John Kitzhaber as co-convener for establishing RAIN (Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network), which fosters technology-based companies and jobs in the Southern Willamette Valley. She served on the RAIN board of directors as well as on the boards of the League of Oregon Cities and the Cascades West Council of Governments. She received the Leadership Award of Merit from the Oregon Mayors’ Association in September 2014.

Prior to joining Samaritan Health in 1985, Julie served as a high school and college instructor in journalism and mass media, as a daily newspaper reporter, and as assistant press secretary to former Oregon Gov. Vic Atiyeh. She received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Lewis and Clark College in Portland and a master’s degree in print journalism from Boston University.

Julie has served in leadership roles in state and national professional organizations and is an active community volunteer. Currently, she serves as board co-chair of the Early Learning Hub of Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties and is a member of the Oregon State University Board of Trustees. She is also a board member of the Benton Community Foundation and for Oregon Humanities. In addition, she serves on the Oregon Community Foundation’s Leadership Council for the Southern Willamette region. Julie was named Corvallis’ Junior First Citizen in 1997 and Corvallis’ First Citizen in 2005.