SOUTH ASHLAND BUSINESS PARK - Key Persons


Aaron Ausland

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member
  • CEO and Owner of Ausland Group
Aaron Ausland, CEO and owner of Ausland Group, is proud to be a third generation Southern Oregonian. Alongside his wife, Kelsy Ausland (a.k.a. the President of Ausland Group), Aaron stays busy running a "world class-locally scaled" commercial design and construction firm operating throughout the greater Pacific Northwest. When he's not working-or helping a number of non-profit organizations, he enjoys jet boating, fishing, and exploring remote places around Oregon. Aaron also enjoys traveling and fishing in the South Pacific.

Abigail Skelton

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Abigail Skelton is a Southern Oregon native and a recent graduate of Southern Oregon University-excited to be back at SOREDI. She served with SOREDI as an intern in the past, writing community stories, participating in conferences, and reaching out to businesses in the region. Abigail has a heart for the community and loves playing ‘tour guide' around this beautiful state. In her free time, Abigail enjoys writing, traveling, hiking, studying foreign languages, and volunteering with church/mission groups.

Alan Meyer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Amy Browne

Job Titles:
  • Operations & Business Development Manager
Amy is a Southern Oregon Native that has been deeply rooted in the Rogue Valley's business community for over two decades. She has served in various leadership positions in the world of finance, and excels at interfacing directly with clients to best understand and plan for present and future needs. Amy is passionate about community, family, and helping others. In her spare time, Amy enjoys crafting, organizing special events, and all things DUCKS! (think football, not water fowl). She serves the community on the boards of Junior Achievement and the Southern Oregon Duck Club, and she volunteers with the Rogue Valley YMCA and Sparrow Club. Amy can frequently be found with a diet Pepsi, or traveling with her husband Chris, and their two daughters.

Breanne Eagles

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Caitlin Fernandez

Job Titles:
  • Business Support Coordinator
Caitlin was born and raised in Southern Oregon, spent several years in the northern part of the state, then returned here for college and has enjoyed being back ever since. Caitlin has a bachelor's degree in a social services field from Southern Oregon University and joined us with many years of non-profit organization work experience. She is very passionate about helping others reach their goals and ambitions. When not working, Caitlin spends quality time with her husband, three kids, and five animals. They love all things water! She can often be found rafting the Rogue River, jet skiing around the local lakes, or swimming at one of the many nearby waterfalls. When she wants to relax, Caitlin likes to build miniature sets or garden.

Cathy Kemper-Pelle

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Christopher DuBose

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board Executive Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board Executive Committee

Colleen Padilla

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
Colleen has been on staff since November 2001 and is well-versed in the daily operations of SOREDI. She assumed the helm as Executive Director in May 2016. Colleen is a native of Medford and holds a Masters in Management and Bachelor of Science in Human Communication from Southern Oregon University. She is a 1999 Rogue Community College graduate. She serves as the agency's lead alongside 5 staff members and provides vision and direction as the SOREDI team continues to help business LAUNCH, RELOCATE, and PROSPER in Southern Oregon. Colleen is a Rotarian, and is wildly serious about business development in all 15 jurisdictions served by the agency. She is a member of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) and Hearts With a Mission (HWAM) board of directors, and is actively engaged in faith-based activities through Mountain Church in Medford.

Crown Jewels

Job Titles:
  • Regional

Darin Fowler

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Jeanne Pickens

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board Executive Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board Executive Committee Secretary

Joanna Quirke

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Judy Duffy

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Kate Kitchell

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Kathy Sell

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Kaycee Miller

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Kim Young

Job Titles:
  • Business Development Manager
  • Analysis & Business Development Manager
Kim provides primary support to the SOREDI loan portfolio and technology sector. Kim holds a Master of Public Administration and provides SOREDI expertise in innovation & entrepreneurship, analysis, and grant application and management. She serves on the board for Oregon Humanities and the Jackson Community Library District. Kim is a Southern Oregon transplant who enjoys outdoor activities and regional exploration with her husband, daughter, and giant dogs.

Lowell Gibson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board Executive Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Nick Fahey

Job Titles:
  • Government Affairs Director
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

RJ Glover

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Rob Hernandez

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Ron Doan

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member
  • Member of the SOREDI Board
Ron Doan is a current member of the SOREDI board-and all the following boards: the Community Cancer Center Board, the Umpqua Indian Development Corp. Board, the Douglas County Industrial Development Board, the CCD Business Development Corporation, the Boys Scouts, and the Oregon Trail Council Board. Ron and his wife, Mary Jane, have four sons and ten grandchildren.

Sara Bristol

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member
  • Mayor of Grants Pass
Sara Bristol is the mayor of Grants Pass. She joined the SOREDI Board in Jan. 2021.

Steve Vincent

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Oregon Regional Business Manager for Avista Utilities
Steve Vincent, the Oregon Regional Business Manager for Avista Utilities, has no free time-but if he did, he would like to fish and learn more about rural Oregon's history. A fifth generation native of Jackson County, and the president of the SOREDI Board, Steve also serves on the SOU Board of Trustees, Earth Advantage Board, Klamath County Economic Development Association Board of Directors, Jackson County Economic Development Advisory Committee, Southern Oregon Angel Investment Network, and the Medford Rogue Rotary. In addition to two children, Christopher and Amanda, Steve and his archeologist wife, Carrie, also adopted Trevor, 6, and Natalie, 4, in May of 2019.

Susan Seereiter

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Rotary Club of Grants Pass

Susan Walsh

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board at Large Member

Terri Coppersmith

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board Executive Committee President
  • Visionary Executive Officer
Terri Coppersmith, a visionary executive officer with extensive experience in financial leadership, has lived in the beautiful Rogue Valley since 2003. After working for the Western Energy Institute in Portland, Oregon, she moved to the Southern part of the state to become the Vice President of Finance for Plexis Healthcare Systems. In addition to her part on SOREDI's Board, Terri is active in numerous professional associations including the SOREDI Foundation, SHRM, e2e, and the Southern Oregon Tech Tour.

Terrill Roper

Outside of work, Terrill is an active golfer and sports enthusiast who loves watching his kids participate in various sports. He has recently discovered an avid love for camping, which he enjoys with his family at various state parks. Terrill is on the board of Junior Achievement, Rogue Community Health and is an active member of the Central Point Rotary club. A native of Klamath Falls, Terrill and his wife Tyann live in Central Point with their two sons.

Tom Fischer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board Executive Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Board Executive Committee Vice President