EDCO Welcomes Ellen Wayte as Director of Marketing and Communications

Bend, Ore. – February 19, 2025 –  Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is excited to announce the hiring of Ellen Wayte as the new Director of Marketing and Communications, effective January 13, 2025.  

In her role at EDCO, Ellen will oversee marketing and communication strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility and impact, supporting its mission to drive economic growth and business development across Central Oregon.

Ellen brings extensive experience in marketing and communications across multiple industries, including commercial real estate, outdoor adventure and nonprofit sectors. She most recently led marketing efforts for Tread Lightly!, a national nonprofit dedicated to responsible outdoor recreation. Prior to that, she worked in marketing roles at EarthCruiser, an adventure vehicle manufacturer based in Bend, and Capital Pacific, a commercial real estate firm, where she developed strategic branding and outreach initiatives.

Ellen holds a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon.

“We are excited to welcome Ellen to the team,” said Jon Stark, Chief Executive Officer of EDCO. “Her diverse marketing background, combined with her passion for community and economic development, makes her a great fit to lead EDCO’s communications efforts.”

EDCO would like to extend its gratitude to BBSI (Barrett Business Services, Inc.) for their support in the hiring process. Their expertise in staffing and recruiting played a key role in securing the right candidate for this critical position. A special thanks to Sarah Lindsey, Senior Human Resources Consultant, for her guidance and assistance throughout the process. BBSI provides valuable services, including payroll services, workers’ comp insurance, human resources, business consulting, and staffing for companies in Central Oregon, making them an invaluable partner in our efforts.

About Economic Development for Central Oregon

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.