EDCO names new Prineville-Crook Co. manager

Economic Development for Central Oregon announced Thursday the hiring of Caroline Ervin as its manager of economic development efforts within Crook County. Her first day will be Monday, November 17.

“Caroline emerged quickly as an outstanding person among a strong field of candidates, and convinced two different hiring panels that she was the right pick for the position and economic development effort here,” said Greg Lambert, President, Mid Oregon Personnel, who conducted the professional search on behalf of EDCO.

“We are very excited about Caroline, who brings personal credibility to the position having effectively started up and managed a Human Resources department for approximately 100 employees at Saratoga Forest Management.”

Caroline is from Central Oregon, attended Crook County High School, and OSU Cascades in Bend, and is looking forward to returning home to Prineville, with her husband.

Prior to returning to Prineville, Caroline served as the Human Resources Director at Saratoga Forest Management in Saratoga, Wyoming.

While there, she guided the start-up and management of a full range of HR operations including recruiting applicants to serving as the company’s site environmental coordinator managing compliance with state and federal environmental regulations and permitting.

Prior to Saratoga Forest Management, Caroline was a real estate Broker at Prudential NW Properties and Century 21 Gold County Realty, both in Redmond Oregon. Ervin will complete her Professional Human Resources Certification in December of 2014.

“We were impressed with Caroline’s experience, humility, and mindset of continual learning to get the job done that typifies work in economic development,” said Roger Lee, EDCO Executive Director. “We think she is going to be a great fit for the organization and helpful in establishing Prineville and Crook County as a top destination for new businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Mid Oregon Personnel in Prineville conducted a professional search on behalf of EDCO for the Prineville/Crook County Area Manager position, which was spearheaded by Greg Lambert, President. A volunteer hiring committee representing different aspects of the entrepreneurial community, city and county, interviewed and evaluated finalists.