Bend Don’t Break

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Keith Sherrill, Small Business Management Coordinator at the COCC Small Business Development Center. A veteran, educator, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Army Ranger and special operations aviator, Keith shares his journey from military service and multiple deployments to business ownership, higher education, and community leadership in Central […]

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Bree Beal, Executive Director of BEAT Children’s Theatre. Bree shares her journey from a childhood immersed in theater to studying history, working in the title industry, and ultimately returning to her passion through nonprofit leadership. She discusses joining BEAT in 2014, helping guide the organization through […]

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Fiona Noonan, Wildlands and Water Program Manager. Fiona works with Central Oregon LandWatch to protect forests, wildlife habitat, and water resources across Central Oregon. A landscape ecologist with experience in climate planning, land protection, and natural resource management, she discusses her educational path from Stanford University […]

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Alisa Dunlap, Pacific Power’s Regional Business Manager for Central Oregon. With a background in political science, government affairs, public policy, and utility planning, Dunlap shares how her career evolved from health care policy work at OHSU to helping guide energy infrastructure and customer growth planning across […]

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Jeff Curtis, Executive Director of the Deschutes County Fair. Curtis recently stepped into the role after leading the Alaska State Fair and spending nearly two decades as CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. With more than 30 years of experience producing fairs, festivals, and community […]

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Beau Eastes, Marketing Director at Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Beau shares his journey from journalism in Kansas, Oregon, and Utah to marketing leadership in Central Oregon. He reflects on his years at The Bulletin, his transition into marketing, and how his background as […]

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr Travis Allen, Executive Director of the Central Oregon Symphony Association. A Bend native, cellist, educator, and arts leader, Dr Allen shares his journey from studying cello performance and musicology to returning home to build a career in Central Oregon’s classical music community. He discusses his […]

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Scott Rowles, Founder and Lead Educational Therapist of Potentia Academics. Scott is a licensed teacher and certified professional educational therapist who has worked in local public schools and at Central Oregon Community College. Through his work, he supports students across a wide age range in building […]

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Phil Chang, Deschutes County Commissioner, to explore a pivotal moment for local leadership as the county prepares to welcome a new wave of commissioners. Phil reflects on his role stepping into senior leadership, the outcomes of the recent election, and how Deschutes County’s […]

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Kirk Schueler, President and CEO of Brooks Resources Corporation, to explore the evolution of Bend through the lens of one of its most influential developers. Kirk shares his journey from a career in accounting and auditing to helping shape some of Central Oregon’s […]