The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership has announced the retirement of Wayne Patterson, Executive Director, effective March 1, 2023.

As a result, the Board of Directors has established a formal transition team to lead The Partnership through the steps of selecting their next Executive Director.

The transition team has named Jessica Fehrn as the Interim Executive Director. Jessica will lead the daytoday operations of The Partnership through this transitional phase.

She has worked at UEDP for nearly two years as the Assistant Executive Director, during which time she has been a part of many efforts towards bettering the lives of Douglas County residents. Jessica has nonprofit experience, a passion for the work, and strong community relations.

Jessica has experience with project/event management, fundraising, grant writing, process improvements, and has served as the point person for many of our local businesses. Jessica worked at Bank of America as a Relationship Manager, Umpqua Bank as a Commercial Loans Payoffs Manager, as well as owned and operated a Childcare Business for nearly five years. Jessica has a certificate in Business Technologies, Grant Writing, and has completed the Northwestern Economic Development Course in Olympia Washington. Furthermore, the team has begun a process to review and update the position description and will soon commence a search for the next Executive Director.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to thank Wayne for his leadership and impact over his seven years with the organization. The Board is sincerely grateful to Wayne for his dedication to The Partnership and wishes him all the best going forward.

The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership is committed to championing equitable economic growth across the Douglas County area. Through collaboration with community, government, business and education partners, we endeavor to help provide a healthy and high standard of living for our community members.

The Partnership plays a critical role in facilitating economic development efforts and we look forward to continuing this important work as we look ahead.