ABOUT OFIH
A leading organization supporting the development of entrepreneurship in Eastern Oregon, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs and mentors to achieve shared economic goals.
Mission Statement
We foster networks, alliances, and partnerships to drive innovation
The Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub, based at the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center in La Grande, fosters networks, alliances, and partnerships to drive innovation and support the growth of traded-sector entrepreneurs who are innovating Eastern Oregon.
By coordinating existing resources and service providers, the Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub can help entrepreneurs thrive and expand their impact on local and regional economies. With a focus on businesses delivering goods and services to regional communities, our Innovation Hub nurtures collaboration and maximizes opportunities for sustainable growth and economic development.
The Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub is a collaborative effort of the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center, and supported by Eastern Oregon University, Northeast Oregon Economic Development District, R3, and High Desert Partnership.
Values
Our Core Values
Innovation
Community Capital
Entrepreneurship
Our Team
Grace Donovan
Grace is the Executive Director of the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center, a joint initiative of Eastern Oregon University and Wallowa Resources.
REV is dedicated to making university resources and assets available to rural leaders to support community-driven initiatives and foster vibrant and thriving communities.
Grace grew up in Wallowa County… started her career in Chile, where she spent six years supporting high-growth entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, ranging from heavy industry to software and retail, to support job creation and resilient economies.
From Chile, Grace moved to Detroit to continue her economic development work in the Midwest before transitioning to the private sector as a Sales and Business Development manager for a tech startup serving manufacturers, and now proudly puts her skills to use in service of Eastern Oregonians.
Executive Director
Carter Gudell
Carter, a homegrown variety from western Massachusetts, transplanted himself to Oregon to serve with the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) Americorps program before transitioning to the REV Center. He aims to make the world a little better for future generations through the sweat of his brow, and has worked in realms like urban forestry, personal care, summer camps, and, perhaps the most altruistic of all, fried chicken delivery.
After quittin’ time, Carter can be found gallivanting through town and trail, patronizing libraries & live music, reading, grinding the rust off his cello skills, daydreaming of raising chickens, and grocery shopping.
Carter travels throughout the region frequently for hub business and is happy to show up at your doorstep to talk things through.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builder
President, Catalyst Public Policy Advisors, LLCnick Green
Nick Green founded Catalyst Public Policy Advisors to support small cities to be more economically competitive by providing practical solutions to complex problems, helping clients build capital investment portfolios for their projects, and providing outside-the-box policy analysis for their toughest challenges.
Nick specializes in public-private developments for housing, infrastructure, and broadband.
He strives to bring his expertise in technology entrepreneurship and public policy to advocate for rural-frontier communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Partners & Stakeholders
Companies That Support Us
