Meet the Finalists: Leader of the Year by Women Business Leaders

There’s something magical about a person who has decided to make a difference. When a person has made a choice to place impact over personal gain, our community changes for the better. 

The Women Business Leaders, Leader of the Year award recognizes local women business leaders who have made this choice and who continuously invest in innovation, leadership, and collaboration to build their community up.

This year’s finalists, 3 women among over 40 submissions, highlight the impact women business leaders are making in our community. Bridging pathways to success, volunteering their skills to local organizations, and building new programs that create a more inclusive community, these women are demonstrating the values of leadership that guide the Eugene Chamber: lead, innovate, impact, and engage. These four tenants direct every effort of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and Onward Eugene in creating a community where prosperity is available and within grasp to all.

So, without further ado, let’s meet our finalists!

KATIE URHAUSEN
Co-Founder, Deployed Logix and Circle of Friends

We are delighted to see Katie Urhausen, Co-Founder of Deployed Logix and Circle of Friends recognized, for her remarkable contributions to business and philanthropy. A University of Oregon graduate and former Creative Services Director at Oregon Athletics, Katie’s entrepreneurial spirit and creativity have propelled her to success. As a founding member of Deployed Logix, Katie has played a pivotal role in supporting first responders worldwide during disasters. Her dedication to global brand development and innovation is truly inspiring. Additionally, Katie’s commitment to serving children with complex disabilities, demonstrated through her co-founding of Circle of Friends and the DLX Family Foundation, showcases her deep compassion and philanthropic vision. We applaud Katie for her entrepreneurial achievements and her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

LIZ TATE
Regional Director of Sales, Mereté Hotel Management

Congratulations to Liz Tate, the Regional Director of Sales at Mereté Hotel Management, for her outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry. With over a decade of experience, Liz exemplifies dedication and expertise in her field. Recently recognized as a scholarship recipient through the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, Liz’s commitment to sustainable and cultural tourism is truly commendable. Her aspirations to become a vital resource for Native Communities in the hospitality sector reflect her passion for making a positive impact. Beyond her professional endeavors, Liz’s unwavering dedication to community service, demonstrated through her involvement with various organizations, including Friends of South, the School Garden Project, and Relief Nursery, is inspiring. We applaud Liz for her remarkable achievements and her commitment to enriching the Eugene-Springfield community.

BRITNI D’ELISO
Behavioral Health Sr. Project Manager, Lane County Health & Human Services

We are grateful to Britni D’Eliso, Behavioral Health Sr. Project Manager at Lane County Health & Human Services, for her exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing mental health services in our community at a time our community desperately needs this leadership. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Britni’s passion for improving access to care is evident in her work. As a driving force behind the establishment of Lane County’s first 24/7 behavioral health crisis stabilization center, Britni’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals is truly commendable. Her collaborative approach, bridging social systems to identify opportunities for innovation and equity, is key to advancing health outcomes across Lane County. We commend Britni for her tireless efforts to enhance the wellbeing of our community and her unwavering commitment to promoting health, equity, and access to care for all.

Each of these women, in different ways, is deserving of this award and we are grateful to their peers for taking the time to nominate them in recognition of the changemakers we need in our community.

We hope you will join us April 11th as we announce one of these finalists as the Women Business Leaders, Leader of the Year following the 2024 Leadership Summit. This award will follow a day-long workforce development workshop for human resource professionals, managers, and business leaders, alike. We hope the stories of impact these three women demonstrate shine as an example of what can happen when employers focus on employee wellness, a culture of kindness, and lean into potential when hiring their newest future leaders.