Kim Gammond leaving City Club of C.O. director role to lead Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver is proud to announce the hire of Executive Director Kim Gammond, who assumes her role effective Sept. 16.

Gammond joins Habitat following her tenure as Executive Director of City Club of Central Oregon, where she led transformative growth in outreach, programming and fundraising.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim Gammond as a strong regional leader for Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver,” shared Board Chair Vicki Russell. “Kim brings a record of leadership to the Central Oregon community through the engaging civic dialogue fostered by City Club, and deep knowledge of homebuilding and real estate through her time with Central Oregon Association of Realtors.”

“Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver leads vital programs supporting homeownership and home repair across South Deschutes County. I grew up here and have watched affordability become a stretch for too many families,” said Gammond. “Stable homeownership is essential to building strong and stable communities.”

Prior to her tenure at City Club, Gammond managed communications and public affairs for the Central Oregon Association of Realtors, where she grew outreach, built strong partnerships with community and industry groups, led trainings and planned events. Gammond holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Purdue University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Oregon.

Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver has been guided since April 2024 by Interim Executive Director Becca Tatum, following the passing of longtime Executive Director Dwane Krumme.

“We are grateful to Becca for her leadership during this time of transition,” shared Board Chair Russell. “As a longtime fundraiser for our affiliate, she will continue to support our work and outreach into the future.”
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver and its programs, please
visit www.habitatlapinesunriver.org.

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Founded in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver has built more than 40 affordable homes in three neighborhoods, including Putney Place – where the three newest families will move into their new townhomes this Fall. Habitat provides more than 100 critical, health and safety repairs to neighbors across South Deschutes County each year, and runs a thriving ReStore in La Pine. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver and its programs, please visit www.habitatlapinesunriver.org.

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City Club of Central Oregon Welcomes New Leadership

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — City Club of Central Oregon announces the departure of its Executive Director, Kim Gammond, who will be stepping down from her role effective August 30. Gammond will be assuming the position of Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of La Pine and Sunriver in mid-September.

Gammond has been a transformative leader for City Club, fostering an environment of open dialogue and civic engagement across Central Oregon. Her leadership has strengthened the organization’s mission of fostering an informed, civically engaged community through dialogue and education.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the Executive Director of City Club of Central Oregon,” said Gammond. “City Club is one of the strongest organizations in our community fueled by the passion of our volunteers and members to bring the community together in learning and conversation.”

City Club is pleased to announce that Amber Thacher will serve as Interim Executive Director following Gammond’s departure. Thacher brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Senior Director of Program Management at Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Education, where she was instrumental in the success of more than 60 programs annually, serving over 4,000 participants worldwide.

Thacher's extensive background in policy implementation, international education, and program management positions her well to lead City Club during this transition.

“City Club’s mission to bring the community together and foster dialog around important topics relevant to Central Oregon is increasingly important and I look forward to supporting the organization in successfully delivering on its mission and growing during this time,” Thacher said.

Prior to her tenure at Harvard, Thacher managed study abroad programs at several prestigious universities, including Boston University and Northwestern University, and directed educational programs in Mexico and Costa Rica. Thacher holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon.

“The expertise Kim brought to the role of executive director is invaluable,” said Linda Orcelletto, City Club board president. “I speak for the entire board when we all wish Kim well on her new adventure. We look forward to working with Amber during this time of transition.”

In addition to Thacher's appointment, City Club has recently expanded its team by bringing on Quinn Rose as the new Forum Coordinator. Rose will focus on managing the strategy, content, and event planning for the organization’s monthly forums, ensuring that City Club continues to provide valuable opportunities for civic engagement in Central Oregon.

For more information about City Club of Central Oregon and its upcoming events, please visit www.cityclubco.org.

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City Club of Central Oregon exists to be the top-of-mind hub for residents and community leaders. Our mission is to foster an informed community through dialogue and education that enhances responsible civic engagement. We champion “passionately non-partisan” discussion between diverse perspectives. To learn more, visit cityclubco.org.