SALEM — REAL Oregon has announced the graduation of Class 7, marking another milestone in the organization’s commitment to empowering natural resource leaders and fostering sustainable growth in Oregon communities.

“We are immensely proud of the Class 7 graduates and their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities,” Lauren Lucht, program coordinator of REAL Oregon, said in a press release. “Throughout their journey with us, they have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Oregon’s natural resources.

“We are confident that they will continue to be catalysts for positive change in their respective communities,” she said.

Class 7 Graduates

• Adan Avila, AgWest Farm Credit

• Megan Chuinard, Oregon Seed Council

• Lindsay Davis, Hampton Lumber & Family Forests

• Kevin Fenn, Oregon Department of Agriculture

• Shayan Ghajar, Oregon State University Extension

• Taylor Harding, Oregon Department of Agriculture

• Christina Iverson, Iverson Family Farms & Wooden Shoe Tulip

• Nicole Jolliffe, Saint Michelle Wine Estates & Erath Winery

• Ivor Kincaide, Oregon Agricultural Trust

• Bryan King, Wilco

• Lauren Kuenzi, Oregon Farm Bureau

• Maria Marquez, Oregon Department of Agriculture

• Bruce McLane, Wilbur-Ellis Company

• Stacey Miller, Miller Hazelnut Farms

• Kara Mills, Oregon Department of Agriculture

• Orin Nussbaum, Nusbaum Farms

• Mackenzie Smith, Lone Rock Resources

• Tim Topliff, Three Mile Canyon Farms

• Rachel Van Dyke, AgWest Farm Credit

• Lindsey Webb, Manulife Timber and Agriculture

REAL Oregon, Resource Education Agricultural Leadership Oregon, is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and networks necessary to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural Oregon.

Through a combination of classroom sessions, industry tours, and networking opportunities, participants undergo a transformative journey that prepares them to lead effectively in their communities.

The graduation ceremony for Class 7 took place on March 13 at Chemeketa Community College, where participants were honored for their dedication and achievements throughout the program. This diverse cohort represents various industries and regions across Oregon, reflecting the program’s inclusive approach to leadership development.

The graduation ceremony featured keynote speakers U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez DeRemer, state Rep. Anna Scharf and Oregon Farm Bureau Executive Director Greg Addington, who encouraged graduates to embrace their leadership abilities and drive meaningful change in their communities.

Scharf and Addington are alumni of the REAL Oregon program.

Since its inception, REAL Oregon has graduated more than 130 agricultural and natural resource leaders who have gone on to make significant contributions to rural communities across the state. The program’s alumni network continues to grow, providing ongoing support, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities for graduates as they navigate their leadership journey.

As Oregon faces evolving challenges and opportunities, the need for effective rural leadership has never been greater. REAL Oregon remains committed to cultivating a new generation of leaders who are equipped to address these challenges and lead their communities towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

The program is now accepting sponsors and applications for Class 8. For more information about REAL Oregon and its leadership development opportunities, visit www.realoregon.net.