FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2023
Contact: Matt Kowal, Board Chair Elect, (541) 440-7606, matthew.kowal@opbc.com
Dave Larecy, Vice Chair Elect, (541) 672-5506, dave.larecy@con-vey.com
Rachel Pokrandt, Secretary Elect (541) 440-4622, Rachel.pokrandt@umpqua.edu
Brian Prawitz, Executive Director, (541) 643-1085, bpmedia88@gmail.com
(Roseburg, OR) — The Executive Board of the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership is welcoming a new
leadership team coinciding with the start of a new fiscal year July 1. New officers and a new Executive Director will
lead the organization, which is charged with strengthening industry and improving job opportunities in Douglas
County.
The new Board Chair will be Matt Kowal, SVP/Commercial Banking Team Lead at Oregon Pacific Bank. The
incoming Vice-Chair is Dave Larecy, CEO/President of Con-Vey, and UCC President Rachel Pokrandt will serve as
Board Secretary.
The Executive Board is also announcing Brian Prawitz as the next Executive Director of the organization. Prawitz
follows Interim Executive Director Jessica Fehrn in the role.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Don Cook for his service to the Partnership as Board Chair,” said Kowal. “Don’s
insight and expertise provided tremendous leadership for the organization and for me personally. We cannot
thank him enough.”
“Looking ahead, the Partnership is in great hands,” according to Kowal. “We are excited about the impact our new
team will have on developing relationships and connecting local business owners in Douglas County.”
The extensive search for a new Executive Director led to the hiring of Prawitz. “Brian brings a deep network, a
passion for this community, and a clear vision for this organization to the position of Executive Director,” said
Larecy. “This is a critical time for the Partnership, and we are confident that Brian is the perfect person for the
job.”
Prawitz brings a unique combination of skills to the position. He began a 25-year radio career in Roseburg in 1993.
After time in Missoula, Montana and Seattle, Washington, Brian and his family returned to Roseburg in 2002. Since
that time, Prawitz has made an impact as an award-winning journalist and play-by-play sports announcer;
dedicated emcee and auctioneer for non-profit fundraisers throughout Douglas County; Roseburg City Councilor;
and entrepreneur. Brian recently celebrated eight years as the owner of BP Media Solutions.
“I am honored to have been selected and excited for the future,” Prawitz said. “The goals and purpose of the
Partnership match my own personal mission statement. I am ready for new challenges and big wins for the
Umpqua Valley.”
The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership is committed to championing equitable economic growth across
Douglas County. Through collaboration with community, government, business and education partners, the
Partnership endeavors to help provide a healthy and high standard of living for the entire community
English 
Spanish 