2025 Leadership Summit

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to its seventh annual Leadership Summit, LOOKING TO THE HORIZON – a transformative event dedicated to professional leadership and organizational management development.

Looking to the Horizon invites business and community leaders together to explore what it means to lead with vision, courage, and collaboration in a changing world. Through thoughtful keynotes, interactive breakout sessions, and a forward-thinking AI panel, participants will reflect on the qualities of visionary leadership while charting a bold path toward what’s next. Attendees will gain practical tools for strategic planning, effective communication, and innovative thinking, plus fresh perspective on how both organizational and civic engagement can drive long-term success.

2025 SUMMIT AGENDA

8:00AM DOORS OPEN
8:30AM WELCOMING REMARKS
8:45AM OPENING KEYNOTE

SEEING NEW POSSIBILITIES IN CHALLENGING TIMES - DEB MAHER

10:00AM COFFEE BREAK
10:30AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

1. STRATEGIC PLANNING: CHARTING THE HORIZON WITH ELYSE DITZEL
2. EYEBALL TO EYEBALL: MOVING FROM CONFLICT TO POSITIVE RESOLUTION WITH CHRISTINE SILVER

11:30AM LUNCH BREAK
12:30PM PANEL DISCUSSION

THE BUSINESS OF AI: FROM VISION TO IMPLEMENTATION

1:30PM ICE CREAM BREAK
2:00PM A CONVERSATION WITH VONNIE MIKKELSEN AND MAYOR SEAN VANGORDON

FROM CITY HALL TO MAIN STREET: A DIALOGUE ON LEADERSHIP & PARTNERSHIP

3:00PM CLOSING KEYNOTE

COMING HOME TO POSSIBILITY: HOW LOSS, PLACE, AND PURPOSE SHAPE THE PATH AHEAD - DARCEY HOWARD

3:30PM HAPPY HOUR RECEPTION & NETWORKING
4:30PM EVENT ENDS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

SEEING NEW POSSIBILITIES IN CHALLENGING TIMES | Deb Maher

Keynote Description

We are living in changing times, when what once felt certain no longer is. We are being called to adapt, re-think, and re-imagine how we live and work. Now more than ever, we must think differently and co-create new possibilities. While that may feel impossible amid daily challenges, there is a way to see and act differently – even in uncertain environments. In this interactive keynote, participants will be introduced to a different kind of AI, and experience how story, connection, and positive perspective can transform workplaces, friendships, and communities. You’ll leave with practical tools, a renewed sense of possibility, and a new way of thinking that brings out the best in others.

About the Speaker

Deb Maher is the founder of DFM Consulting and specializes in positive organizational change, nonprofit management, executive leadership, governance models, public sector and private sector partnerships, strategic planning and implementation support, and coaching and mentoring.

She often serves as an interim executive director and on occasion has assumed the permanent executive director role. She recently completed nearly 4 years as both the interim and permanent executive director at the Community Center for the Performing Arts/WOW Hall. She was instrumental in working with talented staff and board members to reignite a positive direction for the organization as they bounced back from the pandemic. The WOW Hall is now on solid footing with a new budget of nearly $1 million, new systems, a no drama board, committed staff, new systems, new roof, historic streetlamps, and strong community engagement.

She recently moved to Portland and is working in the arts and culture sector with a keen understanding that creativity is an expression of the human spirit which is needed now more than ever. She holds an MBA and Masters Public Administration and numerous certifications including; Positive Organizational Change, Leadership Coaching, Facilitation, Board Governance, and Project Management.

COMING HOME TO POSSIBILITY: HOW LOSS, PLACE, AND PURPOSE SHAPE THE PATH AHEAD | Darcey Howard

Keynote Description

Coming Home to Possibility is a powerful, personal talk. Through an unexpected journey from New York City back to Springfield, Darcey shares how grief reshaped her horizon — and how returning home unlocked her greatest opportunities for impact. This talk inspires leaders to see possibility in their own community, to align personal values with professional success, and to invest in Springfield–Lane County as a place where purpose and prosperity grow together.

About the Speaker

Darcey Howard has spent her career championing ideas and brands that challenge the status quo and make the world better. As the Regenerative Organic Alliance’s Director of Marketing and Engagement, she leads campaigns that inspire consumers, support partners, and spotlight Regenerative Organic Certified® products. With over 20 years in brand strategy and marketing leadership for mission-driven companies such as Earth Lab Holdings, Coconut Bliss, Loomstate, and Thinking Tree Spirits, Darcey blends creative storytelling with smart strategy to advance the regenerative organic movement.

She is also President of the board of Lane Arts Council and serves as a board member for SAVE the BEE, advocating for pollinator health, local food systems, and the arts in her hometown of Eugene, Oregon, where she lives with her husband and a small fleet of wind- and human-powered watercraft.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

CHRISTINE SILVER | Owner, Silver Business Solutions

Eyeball to Eyeball: Moving from Conflict to Positive Resolution

Breakout Description

In “Eyeball to Eyeball,” Christine makes conflict easier to face through her straightforward and irreverent approach to the topic. She explores why we tend to avoid talking and the pitfalls and benefits of having the conversations that make you itchy. Then she offers simple strategies for speaking up well and resolving problems.

You’ll feel prepared to go into your future with confidence, giving feedback that helps, solving misunderstandings, and resolving disagreements, without anyone being poked in the eye.

You’ll learn easy-to-use frameworks for speaking up well in charged situations
You’ll take away super-simple listening techniques so people know you’re really paying attention (not just waiting to talk)
You’ll see how the problem-solving skills you already have can be applied to people issues so you can find a fix (not a fight)
You’ll receive simple tools to resolve conflicts without psychological game playing

After 12 years in Human Resources, Christine Silver now leads Silver Business Solutions LLC, supporting small to mid-sized organizations in both the non- and for-profit sectors. Driven by a craving for real conversations about people, growth, and leadership, Christine has built a reputation as a no-nonsense facilitator and coach, helping leaders navigate the tough people stuff with practical, real-world solutions.

ELYSE DITZEL | Public Information Officer, City of Springfield

Strategic Planning: Charting the Horizon

Breakout Description

In a world of shifting priorities and constant change, how do leaders chart a clear course toward the future? Join Elyse Ditzel for a dynamic and practical session on strategic planning designed to help you “look for the horizons” within your own organization. Drawing on her experience leading citywide initiatives, public engagement strategies, and cross-sector collaborations, Elyse will demystify what a strategic plan really is, when to create one, and how to build momentum from day one. Through real-world examples and an interactive “Find Your Horizon” exercise, participants will leave with tools to define their next destination, align their teams, and move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you lead a business, nonprofit, or public agency, this session will help you see beyond the day-to-day and plan boldly for what lies ahead.

Known for her strategic mindset, empathy-driven leadership, and deep commitment to public service, Elyse Ditzel is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and part of shaping their community’s future. Elyse currently serves as the Public Information Officer for the City of Springfield, Oregon, where she leads citywide communications, crisis response messaging, and public engagement strategies to build connection and trust between residents and local government. Elyse brings 15+ years of experience in marketing, communications, and leadership across the nonprofit, private, and public sectors. Her background includes senior roles in brand strategy, community outreach, and executive storytelling, with a focus on making complex ideas accessible and inclusive.

PANEL DISCUSSION

The Business of AI: from Vision to Implementation

Panel Description

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way businesses operate, from strategy to day-to-day execution. This panel brings together diverse leaders and experts to explore how AI can be leveraged across organizations - not as a distant technology or overhyped fad, but as an immediate and practical tool for growth. The conversation will emphasize optimism, opportunity, and best practices for adoption, focusing on how leaders can build cultures of innovation and empower teams to use AI effectively.

STEVE CARY | President & Founder, Many Mega

Panel Moderator

Steve Cary

Steve Cary is an experienced technology professional and marketing consultant specializing in AI. With a career spanning more than 20 years across various tech sectors, Steve has developed a deep understanding of how to leverage technology for business growth. Today, Steve combines his extensive tech background with his passion for AI to help business leaders and entrepreneurs implement AI strategies that drive growth. He is dedicated to making AI accessible, practical, and easy to integrate into everyday operations, empowering people and companies to do more with less time.

AMBER KELEL | CSO/Director of Business Development, Systems West Engineers
DANN MILLER | Executive Editor, Lookout Eugene-Springfield
KIKI KUCHIN | Founder, Rowan AI Consulting
SHAWN WINKLER-RIOS | Owner, Soloprenur Business Consulting and Training

Amber Kelel is a dynamic leader whose impact extends far beyond her role at Systems West Engineers. As Chief Strategy Officer, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have transformed the company's approach to recruitment, business development, operations, and staff development.

Dann Miller is the executive editor of Lookout Eugene-Springfield, the second-largest local newsroom in Oregon and the largest outside of Portland, bringing decades of leadership experience in both traditional and digital newsrooms.

Kiki Kuchin is the founder of Rowan AI Consulting, where she helps companies move from AI curiosity to confident implementation. With extensive experience in AI with Google, Microsoft, and Stanford University’s Human-Centered AI Institute, she advises executive teams on what’s next, and what’s worth doing, in AI.

Shawn Winkler-Rios is a small business coach and self-taught AI systems strategist with over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build sustainable, goal-focused businesses. He integrates AI into his coaching programs to enhance clients' learning and acquire AI and business skills. He emphasizes that AI should always be a tool to help business owners with strategy and action, as well as the importance of being the "human in the loop”.

FROM CITY HALL TO MAIN STREET: A DIALOGUE ON LEADERSHIP & PARTNERSHIP

Session Description

As part of Looking to the Horizon, this conversation between Chamber CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen and Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon will explore how civic engagement, collaboration, and shared vision drive a thriving regional economy. Together, they’ll discuss the evolving relationship between the public and private sectors, and the courage it takes for leaders to show up, bridge perspectives, and move communities forward. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how civic and business leadership intersect, what’s on the horizon for Springfield and Lane County, and what’s required of the next generation of leaders to turn long-term vision into tangible progress.

VONNIE MIKKELSEN | President & CEO, Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Vonnie Mikkelsen is energized by the collective knowledge, resources & expertise she encounters every day in her work with Chamber members. A seasoned professional with a diverse set of tried and tested competencies, she understands first-hand the value of an all-hands-on-deck approach when it comes to helping businesses grow and succeed. An Oregonian with local roots, Vonnie earned a BA in Intl. Relations/PoliSci from Willamette University and spent 16 years living and working abroad.

In addition to having served as E.D. for a Chamber in the Tampa Bay (FL) region, Vonnie has worked on World's Fair promotions, in cable TV programming & acquisitions, and in association management. On her days off, you likely will find Vonnie hiking or biking along one of the many beautiful area riverfront trails or at the park enjoying the outdoors with her dogs.

SEAN VANGORDON | Mayor, City of Springfield

Sean VanGordon is the Mayor of Springfield, Oregon, and a champion for housing, economic development, and transportation policy. Since joining the City Council in 2011, Sean has led efforts to revitalize downtown Springfield, expand infrastructure funding, and champion businesses.

Outside of public service, Sean is a devoted husband and father. He lives in Springfield with his wife Elaine, their twin daughters Katie and Livy, and their Labrador, Marcus. A lifelong learner and avid reader of history, economics, and politics, Sean draws inspiration from understanding the past to shape Springfield’s future. Whether cheering on the University of Oregon Ducks or exploring Oregon’s great outdoors with his family, Sean’s passion for connection and discovery is at the core of his leadership and life.

Meet the Emcee

STORM KENNEDY

Storm Kennedy has spent 27 years of her career waking up the community over the airwaves on Magic 94.5 and KUGN radio stations.

Storm’s acting career has allowed her to perform on theatre stages throughout Lane County and beyond for the past 32 years, working with theaters in Eugene, Albany, Salem, and Portland, Oregon.

Storm continues to keep busy with nonprofits, helping to bring awareness and fundraising though emceeing, public relations, and marketing through her company, Stormy Communications.

In her downtime, you can find her on the tennis courts, hiking the local buttes with her dog, Bodhi, or doing what brings her the most happiness – spending time with her kiddos, Madison and Wyatt.