EDCO hires new Bend manager
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce the hiring of Tom Rowley as its Bend Manager, replacing Robyn Sharp in the role, effective January 25.
In his role, Rowley will be responsible for supporting EDCO’s mission of creating a diversified local economy and a strong base of middle class jobs in Central Oregon.
His focus will be on guiding employers outside the region through the relocation process, mentoring and referring scalable young companies to EDCO’s Venture Catalyst Program and working closely with local traded-sector companies to help them grow and expand.
Rowley moved to Bend from Texas in 2011. An economic development professional with extensive experience in private, public and nonprofit sectors, Rowley’s strengths are in coordinating and managing teams and projects, analyzing issues, identifying barriers, and preparing recommendations to improve legislation, policy and practice.
He is also a successful consultant/business owner and former CEO of nonprofit, A Rocha USA, a division of an international organization which he helped launch. Rowley has significant experience and knowledge in grant funding applications, grant-funded projects, construction management, and green building.
“Tom’s previous experience is a real asset to the EDCO team,” said Roger Lee, EDCO Executive Director. “We hold the same belief that we need to protect what drew us all to Central Oregon, while also building a strong, healthy local economy by effectively working with businesses.”
Rowley holds a BS in Architectural Studies and an MS in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional. In his free time, Rowley enjoys being outdoors, hiking, fishing, biking, and spending time with his wife, two sons and dog.
Mid Oregon Personnel conducted a professional search on behalf of EDCO for the Bend Manager position, spearheaded by Vice President Sam Lambert. A hiring committee representing different community and business perspectives reviewed and interviewed finalists.
About Economic Development for Central Oregon
Founded in 1981, EDCO is a non-profit corporation, supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by recruiting new employers to move to the region, helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses, and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. Learn more about EDCO at www.edcoinfo.com.
