Port of Vancouver USA Director of Economic Development Katy Brooks has accepted the position of President of the Chamber of Commerce in Bend, Oregon. Her last day with the port is Oct. 6.

“It’s hard to leave an organization that contributes so much to our community – creating living wage jobs, keeping our doors open to trade and contributing to a thriving downtown waterfront,” said Brooks. “My family and I have long loved Central Oregon, and I look forward to working with the Bend community and its employers to bring the same type of prosperity and innovation to the region.”

Brooks has been with the port since 2006, working to develop economic opportunities for the port that create jobs and enhance regional prosperity through commercial and industrial development.

A critical part of this work is the partnerships she maintains with local businesses and government and community entities, including the City of Vancouver, Clark County, Columbia River Economic Development Council, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Oregon Department of Transportation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Vancouver Downtown Association and the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Recently, Brooks has been an essential part of the team developing strategies for the port’s Columbia River waterfront property, Terminal 1. This mixed-use development, scheduled for groundbreaking in 2017/2018, will feature community assets such as a public marketplace, docks, a bike and pedestrian trail and open space. The development will also include commercial office and retail space.

The port is considering next steps for the Director of Economic Development position.