Leadership Corvallis’ Class of 2022 has started a 10-month exploration of the inner workings of the city of Corvallis and Benton County
Twenty-seven local residents are taking an active role in shaping community policy by participating in this program, which is being offered in a hybrid format with some activities online and others in person while abiding by COVID-19 public health guidelines.
Starting in September, participants began learning about the processes, agencies, institutions and people behind them that make Corvallis function and thrive.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change Leadership Corvallis, but we are excited to begin resuming some in-person activities this year,” said Leadership Corvallis Board President Nicole Jenkins. “Each class day will focus on a crucial element of our community, building upon the previous sessions to paint the big picture of what makes Corvallis a unique place to live, work and lead.”
The class meets the second Thursday of each month. Morning class activities occur virtually via Zoom and afternoon sessions occur in-person at locations throughout the Corvallis area that allow for a socially distanced experience.
The hybrid format provides the class opportunities to interact with leaders across the Corvallis community and gain a deeper understanding of the local businesses, government, social services, arts, education and natural resources that make Corvallis a top community in the country to live and work in.
Sessions include a mix of panel interviews, group discussion, small-group breakout chats and tours of locations throughout the community. Session content includes elements designed to help emerging leaders understand and navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and engage in the evolving conversation around racial justice, diversity and equity in the community.
Curriculum for each day is developed and presented by community leaders who volunteer to share their professional insights to inspire the next generation of leaders in Corvallis.
Residents interested in taking part in future Leadership Corvallis classes should reach out to Chris Nordyke, Leadership Corvallis recruitment committee chair, at chris.nordyke@gmail.com.
The Leadership Corvallis Class of 2022 includes:
Marissa Alderman, Samaritan Health Services
Chase Andrews
Catherine Biscoe, Oregon Department of Transportation
Dannielle Brown, Benton County Health Services
Simon Date, Corvallis Chamber of Commerce
Erika DeMonner
Kelly Donegan, retired Oregon State University
Ryan Eaton, Corvallis Police Department
Joel Gustafson, Oregon State University
Veronica Hennessey, Farmers Insurance
Jimbo Ivy, Majestic Theater, City of Corvallis
Lisa Kaufmann, Benton Community Foundation
Sussanne Maleki, Corvallis Structural Balance
Ben Matheny, Columbia Financial Advisors, Inc.
Lily McFadden
Mara McManus, Samaritan Health Services
James Mellein, Corvallis Parks and Recreation
Sam Niesslein
Steven Omernik, Benton County Department of Assessment
Aileen Ortiz, Citizens Bank
Jema Patterson, Heart in the Valley Co-op
Candace Pierson-Charlton, retired Oregon State University
Sarah Reichard, NuScale Power
Bryan Sims, Grounded Real Estate
Holly Terlson, Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care
Kelly Tynon, Ashbrook Independent School
Nicole Wallace, Starker Forests