Bend Park and Rec board member Zavier Borja resigns; remaining board seeking applicants to fill position
Cites demands of job, frequent travel, was elected in 2021
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Park and Rec Board member Zavier Borja announced his resignation from the post he was elected to in 2021 at Tuesday evening's board meeting, effective March 19, citing the press of work responsibilities and frequent travel.
“After much consideration, I have decided it is best for me at this time to resign from the board of directors in respect to my colleagues, park district staff, and the people I was elected to represent,” said Borja. “This position requires dedication of time and engagement that is beyond what I can offer at this time, and I believe another person can serve more effectively and continue momentum on the important decisions about parks, trails and recreation services in our community.”
Borja said he resigned from the board due to frequent travel and job-related responsibilities and a desire to step back and allow another person to represent the public on the BPRD board of directors.
A first generation Mexican-American, Borja was born in Redmond and grew up in Madras and has lived in Bend for the past 14 years. He has worked for various youth programs and government organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Bend, BPRD, Bend-La Pine Schools, City of Bend and currently working with the State of Oregon in the Governor’s Office as part of the Regional Solutions team – serving Central and South Central Oregon.
In addition, in 2018/2019 he created a local chapter of the nationally recognized nonprofit Latino Outdoors, which led to a collaborative manner to create Vámonos Outside. Lastly, he has served as the board president for the Latino Community Association for the past three years.
“I am committed to Central Oregon and plan to continue being involved on efforts and topics,” added Borja.
“I respect the thoughtful comradery from Zavier and wish him well in future endeavors,” said Nathan Hovekamp, BPRD board chair. “He has been an important contributor to our elected board, and his passion for serving the community with equitable park, trail and recreation opportunities is strong. He is a driven individual who will continue to make our community stronger in whatever ways he chooses to pursue.”
Borja was elected in May 2021. That current term expires June 30, 2025. Due to the length of time between now and the May 2025 election, the four continuing members of the Board of Directors will fill the vacancy by appointment.
Applications will be accepted from March 6 to March 22 at 12:00 p.m. An open house is scheduled for Friday, March 15 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the District Office, 799 SW Columbia St. This is an opportunity for potential applicants to learn more about the opportunity and to ask questions of current board members.
Finalists will be selected and invited to present short presentations at the April 16 board meeting before an appointment is confirmed.
This timing aims to have an appointment made before important annual budget adoption meetings and activities scheduled for April and May.
For information on the board appointment process and the application questions, visit https://www.bendparksandrec.org/about/board-of-directors/.
