Dee Anne Everson Joins OCF Board of Directors

OCF today announced that the Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Jackson County, Dee Anne Everson, joins the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Ms. Everson replaces outgoing Board member, Sue Naumes, and follows in the footsteps of Lyn Hennion, Bill Thorndike and other community leaders in representing Southern Oregon. She brings expertise in economics, finance, leadership and nonprofit administration.

“Dee Anne Everson will be a terrific addition to the Board, and we are delighted that she is joining us in support of the important work ahead to advance opportunities for all Oregonians,” says Kimberly Cooper, Chair, OCF Board of Directors. “Her expertise and experiences in generating community-led solutions inspired and funded by generous Oregonians align perfectly with OCF’s vision, mission and values, and will help create significant impact as we continue to come together to address the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.”

Ms. Cooper went on to recognize outgoing leader, Sue Naumes. “In this new role, Dee Anne Everson stands on the shoulders of other Southern Oregon giants who preceded her, building on the most recent success of outgoing Board member and immediate-past Board Chair Sue Naumes, whose outsized contributions to the State will be long-remembered. We are immensely grateful to Ms. Naumes for her leadership and dedication to OCF and to Oregonians these many years, and although she will be missed on the Board, she will always remain part of OCF’s extended family. It’s been such a pleasure serving together in support of the greater good.”

Ms. Everson officially joins the OCF Board of Directors today, May 6, 2021, following unanimous Board approval at her first OCF Board meeting. “It is remarkably humbling to help represent Oregon, and particularly Southern Oregon, as a part of OCF’s Board,” says Dee Anne Everson. “I am committed personally and professionally to improving the quality of life for all of us. And, we can do this. We’re Oregonians.” Ms. Everson will Chair OCF’s Southern Oregon Leadership Council, as well as serve on the Board’s Community Engagement Committee, and the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Ms. Everson also serves on United Ways of the Pacific Northwest Board of Directors, Jackson County Juvenile Justice Committee, Jackson County Threat Assessment Committee and other committees and boards.

“For the past twenty-five years Dee Anne Everson has devoted herself to making Southern Oregon a better place to live, work and play. She is widely recognized as a change-maker and has earned the respect, trust and affection of her community,” says Amy Cuddy, Philanthropic Adviser and OCF’s Regional Director for Southern Oregon. “Dee Anne’s deep knowledge of the challenges that communities face and her optimistic approach to meeting those challenges will serve OCF and all of Oregon well.”

Ms. Everson was appointed as CEO in 1997, and under her leadership, United Way of Jackson County launched the Day of Caring, Women Living Leadership, the Meth Task Force, Child Abuse Network, the BIG IDEA (100% high school completion for the Class of 2020), and In This Together, a Southern Oregon suicide prevention campaign.

Ms. Everson has been recognized by Oregon Business Magazine as one of Oregon’s 50 great leaders and was named the Nonprofit Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award from the Medford/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Ashland.