Board of Directors

Dana founded Turell Group because she wanted to inspire people and make a difference in the world. She has nearly 30 years of marketing experience and her agency in downtown Eugene is approaching its 10-year anniversary. Turell Group serves dozens of clients of all sizes and specialties. Dana also serves on the boards of several local nonprofit agencies. Early on, she pursued a career on stage and is still known to treat the office now and then to a spontaneous showtune.

I am currently the Director of Operations for InnCline Management. InnCline manages 3-hotels in Lane County, along with additional businesses in Oregon and Montana. I began my hospitality career while attending the University of Oregon. Soon after graduation I started with InnCline and have held various positions in Sales, Marketing and Operations for the company. My husband and I are both native Oregonian’s and love raising our two daughters in this beautiful County and State.

I have been a CPA and a partner in the accounting firm of Emge & Whyte since 1988. I grew up in Kettering, Ohio and moved to Eugene in 1975 as an exchange student from the University of South Florida and graduated from the University of Oregon in 1977 with a bachelor degree in business administration. I earned my tax preparer, tax consultant and enrolled agent licenses over the next few years then went back to the University of Oregon in the MBA program to get the courses required to sit for the CPA exam. I have been with my life-partner Ron Saylor for over 40 years and we enjoy traveling, sailing and our life in Eugene.

Irene joined Obie Companies in 2018 and was promoted to a Vice President in 2021. Irene oversees real estate for Obie Companies, including all aspects of the operations of the 5th Street Market District. Prior to joining Obie Companies, Irene worked as a commercial Broker with Evans Elder Brown & Seubert, Inc. and was the executive director of two non-profits; the Relief Nursery and Oregon’s Festival of American Music. In her free time, she volunteers throughout the community, participates on community boards, loves to travel, spend time with friends and has completed 12 marathons and hopes for one more.

John has lived in Eugene since 1982 and has been in the restaurant industry for over 30 years. He is the co-owner of Beppe & Gianni's Trattoria, which opened in 1998. He values finding solutions to challenges by working with people from different points of view and backgrounds.

I am a Lane County native and graduate of the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon. I hold an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. ln 2001, I became the President of Sycan B Corp., a Springfield-based real estate development company with a concentration in hotel development. I co-founded Merete' Hotel Management lnc. in 1993, and became its president. I am active in our community and in the lodging industry, currently serving on the Oregon Tourism Commission and the board of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.

I was born and raised in Eugene, and attended Churchill High School and Oregon State University. I have been working with the Lane County Fairgrounds and Events Center for over 23 years.

Allie has been in the Eugene/Springfield area since 2011, and serves as the City of Springfield’s Economic Development Manager. The best thing about her job is touring manufacturing facilities and understanding just how far the products made in Springfield reach. Allie’s work also focuses on bringing new and redevelopment to the community in order to meet Springfield’s current and future needs. When not being Springfield’s biggest fan she can be found biking, walking her dog, or renovating her 100-year old home.

I am a Vietnam veteran who is 80 percent disabled (hard to believe). After ten plus years in the army, in 1984 I went back to school and got a degree in anthropology, then art. I am a full-time artist now.

I am an Oregon native, born and raised in Milwaukie. In December 2015 my family and I planted roots here in Eugene. My son’s love for raptors was a driving force for me to start volunteering at Cascades Raptor Center and I joined as a staff member in February 2017. As my roles have continued to grow, so has my passion for this organization and our community. I have worn many hats, from fundraising and donor relations to operational management and future planning. I am proud to lead one of Eugene’s top travel destinations and I will continue cultivating connections for the Raptor Center while always focusing on our mission. When not working at the Center, I enjoy being creative, getting my hands dirty gardening and doing crafting projects. I also enjoy exploring Oregon’s beautiful landscapes, especially the forests and coastline, and spending time with my two teenage children.

I graduated from Corvallis High School and attended the University of Oregon, earning a degree in finance. I spent 40 years in the banking industry, working in several executive positions, and retired in 2012. I have served on over 15 boards during my career and currently am on the boards of the Oregon Cancer Foundation and formerly served on the FOOD for Lane County board. I have two married sons living in Seattle and Beaverton, and a grandson and granddaughter.

I work at the University of Oregon as the associate director of university housing and director of dining services. I lead the operations of dining services for residential dining, EMU retail dining, UO catering, and UO conference services. Prior to joining the UO, I spent 20 years in the restaurant industry in California, Washington and Oregon, and bring restaurant and hospitality expertise to University of Oregon campus dining through a high-level cuisine and service approach. I am a California native and graduate of San Francisco State University; my family and I made Oregon home upon arriving at the UO in 2000.

Mike Duncan joined the Oregon administrative staff in October 2008 and is the Senior Associate Athletic Director working directly with facilities, events, and operations. Duncan joined the Ducks after spending seven years as the Vice President of Arena Programming for ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California. Duncan led the efforts of Maloof Sports and Entertainment to grow business through securing and developing events and increasing event attendance. Duncan is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and public relations.

Greg is a 17-year resident and homeowner in ward 6. His city council committee assignments include: Budget Committee, Human Services Commission, Public Safety Coordinating Council. Greg is Associate Vice-President for Access, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Lane Community College in Eugene. Greg’s career as an educator includes a 23 year career as a classroom instructor, lecturer, workshop facilitator and consultant. Greg is the founder and program director of the award winning Rites of Passage Summer Academies for underrepresented and underserved student populations at Lane Community College. He is the President and CEO of The Greg Evans Group Education Consultants. Greg is active in youth sports and has coached students from kindergarten through high school working locally with Kidsports, the Eugene YMCA, and Emerald Valley Little League for over 20 years.

Hello my name is Alyssa Gomez. I am the owner/operator of Sweet Springs Family Farm Lodging Retreat and Event Venue. For the past 6 years I have enjoyed serving on the Cottage Grove area Chamber’s Board of Directors; acting as secretary for two of the six years. I am also a part of the tourism committee, events Committee and love being a dedicated, hands-on volunteer wherever needed. I’ve had the privilege of working in the Visitor Center talking with the tourists, promoting our town and assisting the office staff on projects necessary to move the Chamber forward. I am committed to serving my community, supporting our local businesses and students. I am dedicated to volunteering to help maintain and enrich the character that makes up the heart of my community and Lane County as a whole. In my spare time I love spending time on the farm getting my hands dirty in the gardens with my 2 young boys and loving on all our animals

John Hamilton serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA). With over 19 years of experience at ORLA, he oversees the organization's daily operations, including finance, staffing, accounting, communications, marketing, educational programs, business development, membership, cost-saving initiatives, and association events. John's commitment to the Oregon hospitality industry is evident in his long-standing service. He is a graduate of the Institute of Organizational Management program and was recently appointed by Governor Kotek to the Oregon Travel Information Council.

Having been self-employed for the last 30 years, I bring an entrepreneurial vision to chamber purpose. I am dedicated to the Florence community and work hard to share the many ways to enjoy Oregon’s Coastal Playground. With a passion for art, I have helped to promote Florence’s many art destinations by hosting monthly exhibits in the visitors' center lobby. One of my favorite quotes is “Hearts have Chambers and Chambers have Hearts.” My desire to help build sustainable economic development drives me to serve from my heart.

Having grown up in a family-run business in Lane County, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for our community. I graduated from Cottage Grove High School, and chose to raise my own family here, embracing all the beauty and opportunities this region offers. Through my work at the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, I am dedicated to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth and tourism, ensuring that Cottage Grove remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and secondary physical education, and in 1989 moved to start a life with my Oregon-born husband, Aaron. I taught in Toledo, Oregon and in Eugene before starting a family of fourth-generation river guides. Aaron and I own A. Helfrich Outfitter, a rafting and fishing business based on the McKenzie River.

Ben hails from a tiny village in North Dakota and has a Bachelor’s degree in communications and a Master’s degree in theatre with a focus on directing. Prior to joining the City of Eugene, Ben served as an executive director for regional and community theatres and arts associations in North Dakota and Minnesota, where he also produced, directed, and on rare occasion acted in productions. He was also a lecturer on nonprofit marketing and nonprofit strategic planning at the University of North Dakota (classes he still teaches today thanks to the wonders of the internet). In 2016 he moved to Oregon to work for the City of Eugene as the marketing director for the Library, Recreation & Cultural Services department, and is currently serving as the department’s Interim Executive Director.

David Loveall, 61, married 43 years to Nita, a six-year Navy veteran, life-long entrepreneur, developer and former pastor, world-wide missionary and teacher of men. His journey toward a political endeavor is typical of his approach to life. Putting “skin in the game” is the key. Rolling up his sleeves, working hard and applying vision to the issues facing Springfield and Lane County are just what you’d expect from someone that acts on their dreams, beliefs and faith…”I believe this is what drives change, establishes kingdom direction and raises up warriors who will fight for what is right.”

Joe leads Lane Transit District’s planning and development department, including the operation and maintenance of all District facilities. An LTD employee since 1999, Joe has led some of the region’s largest public capital projects that improve access, efficiency, and overall passenger service. His leadership in facility asset management ensures the District is a good steward of local, state, and federal infrastructure investments for the long term. Joe actively collaborates with public and private partners to ensure the District and its community members are at the forefront of regional transportation initiatives and discussions. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Planning, Public Policy and Management, he is originally from Portland. Joe lives with his family in Eugene.

I serve as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Florence. I joined the City of Florence team in February 2013 and served in various roles within the administration until I became Assistant City Manager in December 2020. I serve as the City’s Public Information Officer and oversee our communications work. I have overseen large capital projects for the City, including the City Hall remodel and the ReVision Florence Streetscape Project for our Urban Renewal Agency in coordination with ODOT. In December of 2020 I also assumed the role as Director of the Florence Events Center. I received my BA from Linfield College and my MPA from Portland State University with a focus on Local Government. I enjoy living in Florence and experiencing all it has to offer with my dog Mabel.

I am a native Oregonian, a small-town girl, and an adventurer at heart. I’ve traveled to sixteen countries in Europe and Asia, and once cycled around the northernmost island of Hokkaido, Japan. I spent the first sixteen years of my career in Japan working as a World's Fair promoter and subsequently as a programming executive for Cartoon Network Japan. I discovered the appeal of industry association management in 2006 when I joined AACSB International in Tampa, Florida. This work inspired me to pursue community development through chambers of commerce, and since 2009 I’ve led two chambers in two states, first in the Tampa, Florida region and now for Springfield. I’m a founding member of the Springfield Indoor Track Committee, serve on the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Government Affairs Council, and am a member of the National Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Western Association of Chamber Executives.

I am a county administrator whose last name is pronounced Mo-crow-hi-ski. I joined Lane County in May 2014 and have served in county government leadership in Oregon, Nevada and Wisconsin for over 22 years. I’m also the president of the National Association of County Administrators. I lead with a focus on practical financial management, meaningful public engagement and fostering cultures of innovation and leadership in local government. I received a B.A. from Marquette University and a M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and I’m a public policy graduate of the Les Aspen Center for Government in Washington, D.C.

I moved to Eugene in 1991 and am a proud alumnus of both Sheldon High School and the University of Oregon. My work in the arts and culture sector of Eugene began in 1996 when I took a job as Stage Manager for Eugene Ballet. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to work with many of our community’s leading arts organizations including Eugene Concert Choir, Eugene Opera, The Shedd Institute for the Arts, Oregon Bach Festival, Willamette Repertory Theatre, and the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. In July of 2016 I was named Executive Director of Eugene Ballet. In that role I also oversee the daily operations of the Midtown Arts Center which opened in 2021 to support the rehearsals and classes for Eugene Ballet’s professional artists and Academy students, while at the same time provide administrative spaces for nine of Eugene’s most recognizable arts organizations. In addition, I currently represent our local arts and culture community while serving on the board of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

I have lived in Lane County nearly my entire life. I started as a radio personality entertaining the local listeners. Became active in the telecommunications industries in the 1980’s working with telephone, voice, data, wireless and phone systems. In the late 1990’s, I began and developed Thanks For Holding, providing telephone system recordings for businesses locally and around North America. I studied in college in Eugene and Spokane, WA. Married with wife Jeana, son Ryan and daughter Alayna.

I am a native Eugenian and have a deep love for the community and surrounding areas. I have been a business owner for many years and enjoy the people, culture and diversity of the area.

I am proud to serve as the president and CEO of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce in this beautiful community. Originally from the Midwest, I moved to Eugene in 2012 and quickly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. My driving passion for community work revolves around helping individuals, businesses and our community meet our fullest potential. As a chronic optimist and diligent problem solver, I sees the incredible opportunity we have in front of us to celebrate the beauty and wonderful businesses in our community- and overcome challenges together. I currently represent the business community on various boards and commissions throughout the region and serve at a national level as a board member for both the Western Association of Chamber Executives and the national Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

I have been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years since I came to America. I emigrated from India in the early '90s and very soon after found myself in hotels from an early age. I fell in love with hospitality immediately and here I am today still enjoying my passion. I earned my associate degree at Lewis and Clark College and am an active member in the Eugene and Springfield Community by participating in the ORLA Board and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

I’m the co-owner of Hub World Travel, dba America’s Hub World Tours LLC, and co-owner of Best of the Northwest. Sales missions have included ITB, IPW, CITM, NAJ, Active America, JATA, Go-West and NTA Contact Exchange, and have taken me to China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Africa and Canada. I am active on numerous boards and councils, including Travel Lane County's Board of Directors, the Eugene Sports Advisory Council, 2016-17 Board Chair for Travel Portland, Travel Portland Finance Committee, Community Action Committee, Clackamas Tourism Development Council, and the NTA-China Inbound Program.

I have been in the Hospitality Industry in Lane County for many years. I am currently the General Manager of Graduate Eugene. I have also been the GM of Valley River Inn for 9 years. Prior to that I was the GM of Doubletree Eugene/Springfield. That is also where I got my start in the industry serving as a Bellman, Front Desk Agent, Director of front office and Director of sales. I have had the honor to have worked in the Portland market as GM of Doubletree Downtown and working at Jantzen Beach. Doubletree in Bend was an exciting stop as that is where I grew up. Also have been GM of Running Y and most recently Ashland Hill Inn. I am so excited to be back in Eugene which is home and look forward to contributing to the vibrant tourism culture that exists in our county. My family and I see this as the perfect place to live!

I am the Executive Director of Kidsports and Director of Civic Park in Eugene. I grew up in Canada and arrived in Eugene to attend the University of Oregon and play basketball in the late 1970’s and following college I went on to play for the Canadian National team and in 1999 our team medaled in the Pan American Games. My professional career led me to Italy where we won three Italian championships and two European Cups. I was thrilled and honored to return to Eugene and serve as the University of Oregon's women's basketball coach from 2001 to 2009. As the the assistant coach for the Canadian Women's National Team we won back-to-back gold medals in 2015 at the Pan American Games in Toronto and the FIBA Americas in Edmonton, qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Basketball has brought me great joy and and I'm a proud member of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Pac-12 All Century Team.

I am currently the Vice President of Operations for Merete Hotel Management located in Springfield. My role is to provide a structure of support and strategic guidance to the operations leadership team in order to achieve excellence across the portfolio. I directly impact the customer by establishing systems and processes that result in high levels of guest service and I work closely with our sales and marketing teams to ensure our hotels lead their market in topline performance.

I came to the Eugene Airport in January 2007 where I am now the airport director for the City of Eugene. An Accredited Airport Executive, I serve as a national director on the American Association of Airport Executives Board of Directors and chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. I also serve as a member of the Oregon State Aviation Board. I am past-president of the Northwest Chapter of AAAE and past-president of the Oregon Airport Management Association. Prior to my work in the aviation industry, my first career was in broadcast journalism holding positions as a reporter, anchor, producer and photographer, in addition to some work in radio and newspaper. I hold a Bachelor of Science in technical journalism from Oregon State University and a Master of Science in applied information management from the University of Oregon, which makes me a platypus! I enjoy travel, both business and pleasure, and have absolutely no fear of flying.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I started working in tourism as a raft and kayak guide. I have guided in South America, South Africa throughout the USA and Alaska. I am the owner/ operator of the Westfir Lodge and Cascades Outdoor Center offering overnight accommodations and guided trips in Willamette National Forest.

Lucy Vinis was elected Mayor of Eugene in 2016 and took office in January 2017. As a resident of Eugene for 28 years, Lucy Vinis has worked on behalf of the community through her professional career and as a dedicated volunteer. Drawn to Eugene’s natural beauty, inviting community, and quality schools, she relocated here from Washington, DC with her late husband, Lawrence Vinis to raise her two sons.

Michelle Webber was elected to the Springfield City Council in 2022. Michelle was born in Cottage Grove, and lived in Lane County until her family moved to the Newport area where she finished school and began her working career. In 1996, she moved back to Lane County to raise her, now adult, children. She enjoyed a 30-year career in commercial banking which is also where she met her husband, Bruce. They moved to Springfield in 2010 and are proud to call Springfield home. Michelle is a strong believer in giving back to the community she lives in. She has served in many volunteer roles including as a Springfield School Board member, Springfield Education Foundation Chair, LTD Board member, Springfield Public Library Board Treasurer, and as a Springfield Rotarian.