Better Together Central Oregon names new executive director

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Better Together Central Oregon announced this week that Stephanie Beamer has accepted the position of executive director.

Beamer comes to the organization with more than 10 years of experience in higher education and an extensive background in diversity. She most recently served as Oregon State University-Cascades’ assistant director of admissions for recruitment and Diversity Committee chair.

In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing work that aligns stakeholders across sectors and across communities, working with the Better Together Board of Directors, local school districts, local Education Service Districts, higher education, local business, community-based organizations, regional government and community members in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Beamer is taking over the role from former Better Together ED Katie Condit, who left the organization in July.

Better Together, a non-profit, community-based organization of the High Desert Education Service District, works to improve the educational outcomes and well-being of young people from cradle to career.

“One of my first interactions with Better Together was joining the Latinx Success Initiative, and I saw the collective impact of the workgroup bringing together schools, programs, and community members to create change in Central Oregon for our Latinx community in Central Oregon,” said Beamer.  “I was inspired by the partners working to create systemic change, as well as advocate for students and families in the region.  Some of those connections turned into collaborations outside of Better Together, which is part of the ripple effect of Better Together.”

Prior to working in college admissions, Beamer served as an academic advisor in higher education. In that role, she recognized gaps and barriers for students and knew that she wanted to make an impact earlier in their school careers. With a vision to strengthen the college pipeline for middle and high school students, saw the Better Together ED position as her dream job.

“With Better Together, I can incorporate my passion for supporting students, both directly and through systemic change. This new role also allows me to help lift the voices and create space for the community to support students and families from cradle to career. I am honored to be a part of spaces and partnerships where we center the lived experiences of our students and families toward collaborative change,” said Beamer.  

Beamer added that while some in Central Oregon are just recently becoming aware of inequities, other community members have experienced inequities in the region their entire lives and over generations. 

“We must listen to those impacted, learn from those around us, and continue to work together to create positive impact,” she said.

Beamer graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science/Biology degree and obtained her Master of Science/Student affairs in higher education from Colorado State University.