Our Team
Dana Siebert
Managing Director
Dana assumed the role of Managing Director in 2023, but he has been integral to Onward’s success since its inception. In his current role, he champions economic development initiatives to promote regional innovation, economic growth, and prosperity for all. By strategically engaging partnerships, Dana leverages opportunities and paths forward to bolster the Eugene Area economy.
Holly Mar-Conte
Child Care Sector Strategist
Holly has nearly 20 years of experience working at local nonprofits, primarily focused on improving outcomes for kids and families in our community. In her current role, she convenes and supports employers, child care providers, parents and families, and early learning stakeholders to identify promising strategies to increase access to affordable, quality child care in Lane County.
Ness Zolan
Senior Director of Economic Development
Ness brings a powerful blend of public sector strategy and creative leadership, from the Kennedy Center and Eugene Symphony to the City of Portland mayor’s office and economic development agency. His mission is to unlock our region’s potential by clearing the runway for business investment and connecting government and industry.
Our Board
Denny Braud
City of Eugene
John Barofsky
Beppe and Gianni’s Trattoria
Niloo Marashi
Movassaghi Plastic Surgery
Steve Mokrohisky
Lane County
Brittany Quick-Warner
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Erik Parrish
States Industries
Matt Roberts
University of Oregon
Joy Pendowski
Chambers Construction
Michelle Saunders
PeaceHealth Medical Center
Jenny Bennett
Summit Bank
Katherine Moyer
Hershner Hunter
Guiding Principles
Collaborative
Engage and collaborate with partners and stakeholders across the region; when we collaborate in our economic development activities and strategies, we become stronger and more competitive.
Data-Driven
Employ robust data to drive strategy; we are building an online information hub that will enable Onward Eugene and its partners to identify challenges, respond effectively, and track progress.
Creative
Seek and deploy creative approaches to driving economic and community growth; Onward Eugene will research best practices, convene key regional partners, and catalyze creative growth solutions.
Inclusive
Improve equality of access to opportunity; we view equity as an economic issue and are committed to connecting marginalized individuals and families to education and employment opportunities.
Transparent
Pursue objective measures and ensure transparency; Onward Eugene has identified key performance indicators to track and report to the community in a clear, concise, and candid fashion.