By Laura Shields
Leadership Corvallis 2018-19 board president

Good leaders have the capability to lead from anywhere. They are willing to assume any role, whether that is out in front or supporting from behind the scenes.

That is certainly true of this year’s Hans Neukomm Leadership Award recipient, Rebecca Badger.

In her nomination, it was said, “Rebecca has an amazing quiet and confident leadership style that she brings to everything she does.

And that is evident in her extensive involvement in local organizations. Whether it is as a member of the United Way of Benton & Lincoln Counties Community Investment Council, chair of the Corvallis Arts and Culture Commission, ex-officio board member for Corvallis Young Pros, communications chair for Friends of Corvallis or a member of the Southern Willamette Valley Leadership Council for the Oregon Community Foundation, Rebecca does whatever it takes to accomplish goals.

She is both a team player and effective leader. And perhaps most importantly, is her ability to listen.

Rebecca always has the interests of the community at heart, is open and approachable, and encourages others to move ideas into action. Simply put, she makes our community stronger.

Rebecca is the 16^th person to receive this award since its inception. She joins past recipients Julie Manning, the late Scott Zimbrick, Pete Bober, Susan Poole, Biff Traber, Penny York, Kavinda Arthenayake, Dave Hamby, Ben Danley, Rick DeBellis, Helen Higgins, Mike Corwin, Mark Kalmar, Curtis Wright and Jennifer Moreland.

About the Hans Neukomm Leadership Award:

The Leadership Corvallis Class of 2004 recognized the importance of celebrating the service and accomplishments of Leadership Corvallis alumni who had returned to the community with fresh perspective and passion and used those qualities to continue to make a difference in our community. Thus, the 2004 class created and awarded the first annual Hans Neukomm Leadership Award.

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.