In this interview, Keri Lopez, Republican candidate for Oregon House District 53, shares her experiences visiting the southern border of the United States. Prepare yourself for the sobering realities of what she witnessed.

Soorin Backer studied at Fuller Theological Seminary for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Masters in Biblical Studies. Currently, she’s enrolled at Global Awakening Theological Seminary for a Doctorate of Theology degree.

Soorin recently planted a church in Eugene, Oregon, called OARS and continues to host Power and  Hope Conferences, workshops and teachings through media. She’s the author of Women In Jesus’ Life that has been used by churches and groups for weekly study. Her ministry continues to be featured on multiple TV platforms and radio stations around the globe and is the Keynote Speaker for the upcoming 8th Annual Central Oregon Prayer Breakfast on May 12, 2023.

Keri Lopez is currently running for a second term on the Redmond School Board of Directors, position 4, in the May 16th, 2023 special election. Her website is: kerilopez4redmondschoolboard.com

Keri is speaking on behalf of herself, personally and entirely.

David Harms is a radio veteran who has focused his attention on funding ministries through radio and other media, David has founded two companies and currently serves as President of both. i58:10 Media was founded in 1997 and has used radio and other electronic media to raise millions of dollars each year for homeless shelters, pregnancy centers and international ministries such as World Vision, India Partners and Shepherd’s House in Bend. In 2019 David launched a radio network called Worship 24/7 with its flagship signal on 93.7 FM in Bend, but now with signals in Tacoma and Spokane, Washington and Amarillo, TX.  The online streaming of Worship 24/7 has added listeners in over 190 countries and every state … all in less than 4 years.

You can find out more about David at worship247.com and i5810media.com. That’s worship247.com and i5810media.com

Cathie is the founding director of New Each Morning, which is a non-profit organization that works with women graduates of alcohol and drug addiction recovery programs. The New Each Morning team of volunteers provides connection and positive accountability to clients, while championing the women to thrive as healthy productive members of the community. 

You can learn more about the organization at www.neweachmorning.org.

Nicole Fitch is currently running for Bend La Pine School Board, Zone 7. She is currently a Real Estate Broker with John L. Scott Realty, but she has 15-years-experience in the field of education. Her career has been dedicated to educating students in public schools as an elementary school teacher, an elementary assistant principal, and an instructional specialist, helping to evaluate instructional materials for a statewide English Language Arts/ English Language Development curriculum. 

You can learn more about Nicole at nicoleforblpschools.com, that’s nicoleforblpschools.com. 

Laurie is the President of Central Oregon Community College. You can find out more about COCC at cocc.edu.  

Prior to joining COCC, Chesley was provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan. Her administrative and leadership experience spans 18 years and includes both two- and four-year colleges. Chesley served as interim dean of learning at Northwestern Michigan, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Ferris State (Michigan) University, dean of humanities at Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) Community College, and associate dean and dean of arts and sciences at Grand Rapids Community College. As a recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Faculty Excellence Award and a past winner of the Michigan Chapter of the American Council of Education Network's Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award, Chesley is passionate about mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. 

Laurie is here to talk with us today about higher education in general, and COCC in particular.

Jon Stark, CEO of Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). EDCO is a regional organization with community offices in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters. You can learn more about EDCO at EDCOInfo.com.  

Jon is responsible for leading the organization in accomplishing its mission to create a diversified local economy and a strong base of middle-class jobs in Central Oregon. EDCO accomplishes this by helping companies: Move. Start, and Grow. Jon’s work also includes numerous strategic initiatives to sustain and improve the business climate across Central Oregon including but not limited to education and workforce development, statewide legislative concepts and legislation, infrastructure and air service development, and business resource development. 

Jon is here to talk about EDCO overall, and his perspectives on the regional business community and economic prospects in the year ahead.

Patti Adair is a fourth generation Oregon native who grew up on a ranch near Heppner. She's a proud University of Oregon Duck who graduated with a degree in History. Patti later completed her CPA in Washington State. Commissioner Adair's current memberships and affiliations are many but just a few include Association of Oregon Counties, Legislative Committee District 2 Delegate, Central Oregon Health Council, Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation, Deschutes County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee Liaison and Project Wildfire. Patti is running for re election in November.