Community Conversations: New Bend Chamber CEO shares vision for community impact and regional collaboration

BEND, Ore. - (KTVZ) The Bend Chamber of Commerce is entering a new chapter under the leadership of its newly appointed CEO, Sara Odendahl.

After serving as interim CEO over the summer and spending nearly five years in various roles within the Chamber — primarily in government affairs — Odendahl says she’s honored to take on the position permanently.

In an interview, Odendahl reflected on her path to the role, noting that she joined the Chamber staff in 2023 as the second-in-command under former CEO Katie Brooks. She credits Brooks with helping shift the Chamber from what she calls a “transactional” model to a “transformational” one.

“We are not your grandfather’s Chamber,” Odendahl said. “We still focus on networking, resources, and community connections, but we’re also looking closely at the needs of the community and forming initiatives around them.”

Looking ahead, Odendahl says her priority is strengthening the Chamber’s role as a “connector and convener” across the region. That includes growing partnerships with neighboring chambers and organizations. She highlighted the newly formed Regional Business Alliance, designed to support state-level advocacy through Central Oregon’s caucus.

Odendahl says her favorite part of the work is seeing its direct impact. “If I’m talking to city council or working with a local business, I know it’s affecting the community I live in, and I just love that,” she said.

The Bend Chamber continues to expand its role in shaping the region’s business environment and supporting a growing community.