COIC board names interim executive director

The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Counci Board of Directors announced Mondaythe appointment of Karen Friend as interim executive director effectiveJuly 1.

Currently, Friend serves as the transportation manager and deputy director of COIC. Current Executive Director Andrew Spreadborough announced his resignation earlier in June.

With over 19 years at COIC, Friend has managed numerous departments including Fiscal and Administrative Services, Community and Economic Development, and played an integral role in developing the regional transit system, Cascades East Transit and the Cascades East Ride Center.

As Transportation Manager, Ms. Friend oversees 63 employees and manages the daily operations of the transit system, call center, and dispatch center. Ms. Friend was promoted to Deputy Director in 2009.

“Karen Friend has years of experience with COIC and will do an excellent job during COIC’s transition period,” commented Jason Carr, COIC Board Chair. “We are pleased Karen is willing to serve as Interim Executive Director and confident of a smooth transition as the Board begins our search for the new executive director.”

The COIC Board of Directors will launch a national search for a new executive director later this month.

As the region’s Council of Governments, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council provides service to the counties of Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson as well as to the cities of Bend, Culver, La Pine, Madras, Metolius, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters. COIC provides workforce development, economic development and public transportation services. Cascades East Transit, operated by COIC, runs a fixed-route service in Bend, community connector shuttles, general public Dial-A-Ride services in Redmond, La Pine, Prineville, Sisters, and Madras, flex-route service in Warm Springs, as well as recreational routes like Ride the River and the Mt. Bachelor shuttle.