Email: kkendall@revcenter.org
Title: Program Specialist
Organization: Rural Engagement & Vitality Center (REV)
Community: La Grande
Population: 16,000
County Served: Union, Baker and Wallowa Counties

Meet Kristen Kendall (she/her):

Born and raised in the farmlands of south-central Pennsylvania, Kristen has a deep appreciation for rural communities. After years of living in the metro Seattle, Washington DC, and Los Angeles areas, she is excited to return to the Pacific Northwest to serve with RARE in Eastern Oregon – a place that feels like home. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Arts from The Pennsylvania State University and a Certificate in Project Management from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies.

Community and Organization:

La Grande is home to Eastern Oregon University and is the county seat of Union County. Historically, timber and agriculture have been the key economic drivers for the county and, while there is still a strong local agricultural sector, today’s economy is more diverse – with significant growth in the areas of higher education, healthcare, manufacturing, and outdoor recreation.

REV’s mission is to create vibrant and prosperous rural communities by connecting leaders, local governments, and organizations with capacity, support, knowledge, and talent present at institutions of higher education in eastern Oregon.

Projects:

As a Program Specialist at REV, Kristen will be focused on supporting a Union County childcare needs assessment funded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), an effort that aims to increase access to childcare and improve the socioeconomic mobility of residents. She will also be collaborating with the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) to compile accessory dwelling unit (ADU) resources in the tri-county area, educating property owners on the building process and benefits with a goal to help alleviate a critical housing shortage.