Our Presenters
Kelly Cannon-Miller
Kelly Cannon-Miller, Executive Director, Deschutes County Historical Society and Historical Museum, is a public historian with over 25 years working at Oregon museums. She and her husband successfully launched two kids into adulthood from Bend’s eastside, support the creative economy generated by the region’s arts and culture organizations, and generally cater to the whims of their two cats and two dogs.
Damon Runberg
Damon is a State Economist with Business Oregon. Damon specializes in rural economics and regional labor market analysis. He received his Master of Public Policy from Oregon State University where he concentrated in econometric analysis and natural resource economics and his Bachelor of Arts from Gonzaga University. Damon covers the 10 county region along the east slope of the Cascades from the Columbia Gorge down through the Klamath and Lake Basins.
Past Bend 101 Presenters
Mike Hollern
Chairman of the Board,
Brooks Resources Corporation
After helping to found Brooks Resources Corporation in the late 60s, Mike has had a large influence on the region over the last 50+ years. Mike guided Brooks Resources through the fat and thin years of the real estate industry, creating such memorable communities as Black Butte Ranch, North Rim, Awbrey Butte and NorthWest Crossing. He has also helped to shape a company whose name has become synonymous with community support. His vision is apparent throughout the community and he has positively influenced issues such as transportation, education, economic development and cultural resources.
Michele O'Hara
Founder, Luminous Brands Consultancy; PT ED
at Opportunity Knocks
Michele’s work is grounded in the creation of connections between brands and the people they serve. Through her passion, vision, and leadership, she has earned a reputation as a brand leader and change agent.
With over fifteen years of experience working for national and regional advertising agencies, DJMC and Saatchi & Saatchi, on major accounts, McDonald’s and Toyota, Michele decided to leave the big agency world to open her own creative shop in Portland Or., Nerve Inc.
She currently serves on the executive committee for Redmond Economic Development Inc. (REDI) and as part-time executive director for Opportunity Knocks; a facilitated peer mentorship program for CEO and senior leaders.
Laura Fritz
Laura Fritz began working as the Executive Director for Envision Bend in late 2019. For more than 25 years she has focused her career on building community equity, vitality and livability. As the principal of Fritz Consulting, a nonprofit consulting firm serving Central Oregon, she has provided interim executive director, executive search, organizational assessment, strategic planning and leadership coaching services. Laura has volunteered for numerous Central Oregon nonprofit organizations and served on the City of Bend Planning Commission. An enthusiastic athlete and outdoor lover, Laura spends much of her time skiing, biking and hiking with her family, friends and of course her French Bulldog Moose.
Bev Clarno
Bev Clarno was the Oregon Secretary of State. She assumed office on March 31, 2019. She left office on January 4, 2021. Clarno is a former Republican member of the Oregon House of Representatives (1989-1997) and the Oregon State Senate (2001-2003). She served as speaker of the House from 1995 to 1997 and as Senate Republican leader in the 2003 legislative session. Clarno was a hog farmer and cattle rancher and a real estate broker and appraiser before her election to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1989. Gov. Kate Brown (D) appointed Clarno as Oregon secretary of state on March 29, 2019. She succeeded Dennis Richardson (R), who died while in office on February 26. Clarno represented District 27 in the Oregon State Senate from 2001 to 2003. She was Senate Republican leader in the 2003 legislative session. Clarno served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1989 to 1997, representing District 55 from 1989 to 1997. She served as speaker of the House from 1995 to 1997.