EDCO hires first ‘key industry coordinator’

Economic Development for Central Oregon announced Friday the hiring of G. Matt Sybrant in the new position of Key Industry Coordinator.

Sybrant is an Oregon native and longtime Central Oregon resident, having moved to the area in 2000. He has a professional background in residential design, graphic design, business startups, education, and logistical operations.

EDCO officials said in their announcement, “This diversity in work experience should serve him well in helping the key industry clusters of outdoor gear and apparel, bioscience and high tech move forward and gain critical mass over the next year in the newly developed position of Key Industry Coordinator.”

The Key Industry Coordinator position was made possible through funding from the City of Bend through its Bend Economic Development Advisory Board (BEDAB) and a grant from the Maybelle Clark McDonald Fund.

Both organizations made awards to the Tech Alliance of Central Oregon, a Bend-based charitable non-profit and one of the primary industry partners, which is contracting with EDCO for professional services, including hiring and oversight of the KIC.

Looking Forward volunteer Linda English quarterbacked the application process for both the city and foundation on behalf of the Tech Alliance and other industry groups that include the Oregon Outdoor Alliance and Bend Bio.

Sybrant holds an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Central Oregon Community College and Undergraduate Degrees in Business Administration and International Studies from OSU-Cascades where he graduated at the top of his class, earning both Summa Cum Laude distinction as well as the Distinguished Student Award.

Outside of work, he is actively engaged in community service, maintaining volunteer positions for Bend Film, Latino Community Association, and Oregon Rally Group, a grassroots automobile racing organization. He also serves as the Board Treasurer for the local community planning organization, Bend 2030.

Express Employment Professionals conducted a professional search on behalf of EDCO for the position, which was led by Contract & Search Specialist, Lauren Jorgenson.

A hiring committee comprised of representatives from targeted key industries including technology, bioscience, and outdoor products chose Sybrant from a field of nearly 100 applicants.