Members of the Leadership Corvallis class of 2014 have completed a 10-month program focused on leadership and volunteer opportunities in the Corvallis area. Their introduction to the people and places that impact our community was designed to encourage participation on boards of non-profits, local government committees, volunteer task forces and other areas where citizen involvement can make a difference.
The following graduates were honored at a dinner and graduation celebration on June 5:

Amanda Anderson, OSU University Conference Services
Xanthippe Augerot, Mary’s River Watershed Council
Justin Bazzano, Citizens Bank
Lindsay Briggs, Smith, Davison and Brasier, PC
Gretchen Dursch, OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences
Alexandra Eder, Fernwood Circle Guest House
Joseph Elwood, The Reynolds Law Firm
John Faulconer, Faulconer Development LLC/Apex Realty
Simone Frei, OSU Linus Pauling Institute
Brandi Fuhrman, OSU Career Success Center
Netsie Griffith, Grace Lutheran Church
Chris Guempel, Encore Physical Therapy
Cortney Hall, Citizens Bank
Richelle Hayes, OSU Alumni Association
Mike Joki, Timberhill Physical Therapy
Krista Klinkhammer, OSU College of Business
Hilary Kovalchik, Benton Habitat for Humanity
Corrie Latimer, Love INC
Rick Osborn, Benton County
Eric Owen, Benton County Health Services
Lauri Richer, Samaritan Health Services
Cassidy Riordan, Corvallis Custom Kitchen & Baths
Donald Rogers, Benton County Sherrif’s Office
Shelly Signs, OSU University Events
Larry Symonds, Financial Adviser (retired)
Cassandra Truax, Hendrick & Kellison LLC
Karrie Wuerch, The Corvallis Clinic

“On behalf of the Leadership Corvallis board of directors, I would like to congratulate the 2014 class,” said Board President Curt Wright. “They were engaged, inspired participants and I am proud to include them on the roster of Leadership Corvallis alums.”

The Leadership Corvallis board would also like to thank OSU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Scott Rueck, this year’s graduation keynote speaker, as well as the graduation event committee members Carole Holbrock, Laura Shields and Selina Marshall.

Helen Higgins, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis, has been honored by Leadership Corvallis as the 11th Hans Neukomm Award winner.

A 2008 graduate of Leadership Corvallis, Higgins is well known for her dedication to the youth of Corvallis and the betterment of our community through her vocation as well as her volunteer work. Since arriving in Corvallis in 1997, Higgins has volunteered her time with many community organizations, including Leadership Corvallis, Rotary Club of Corvallis, Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, Corvallis School Board, City Club of Corvallis and as a mentor in Oregon State’s Austin Entrepreneurship Program.

“Helen exemplifiies the essence of the Hans Neukomm award,” said Leadership Corvallis incoming president Scott Jackson. “She steps up to help, and naturally gravitates to leadership roles. Helen is generous with her time and in sharing her talents to strengthen our community.”

Established in 2004, the Hans Neukomm Award is named for the founder of Leadership Corvallis. Neukomm, who passed away in 2011, envisioned Leadership Corvallis as a way to give participants a better understanding of how our community functions so they can be more effective in the workplace and community.

The award is given each year to a past class member who has made a significant impact through service to the community. In addition to Higgins, prior recipients include: Julie Manning, the late Scott Zimbrick, Pete Bober, Susan Poole, Biff Traber, Penny York, Kavinda Arthenayake, David Hamby, Ben Danley and Rick DeBellis.

Leadership Corvallis is pleased to announce new officers and its board of directors for 2014-2015. The following directors will serve in these positions for one year, beginning July 1.

• President: Scott Jackson, Sheriff, Benton County
• President-elect: Carole Holbrock, Director of Sales, Corvallis Country Club
• Secretary: Mickey Shields, Principal Consultant, Amplify Consulting
• Treasurer: Kristen Gose, partner, Anderson Group CPAs

Newly-eletced to the board are Peggy Joyce and Pete Bober. Continuing board members are Curtis Wright, Mark Kalmar, Roger Lizut, Elizabeth Westland-Schroff, Rebecca Badger, Lisa Schubert, David Hamby, Jeff Davis, and Kavinda Arthenayake.

Thank you to those who made this year’s Community by Design Day a great success. The day would not have been possible without the support of Peggy Joyce, Ken Gibb, David Livingston, Eric Adams, Kirk Bailey, and Lori Stephens.

The Leadership Corvallis Board of Directors would like to thank the following people for their help with Human Services Day on April 24.

Presenters: Bonnie Vander Stelt, Timmy Glascock, Cybil Stockman, Coco Anderson, Helen Higgins and Holly Berry

The day facilitation team: Kenny Lowe, Lexie Merrill and Stacy Mellem

A special thanks to Pastor Wendell Hendershott and Grace Lutheran Church for hosting us. And to Susan Sage from Linn Benton Food Share for the tour.

Thanks to everyone who made this a great day!