Meet Our Team
At the Oregon Frontier Chamber, we are passionate about fostering growth, community, and connection throughout our region. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to support local businesses, organize events, and create opportunities for collaboration. Together, we are committed to celebrating the unique charm and potential of the communities we serve.
Brittney Dark
Executive Director
Brittany brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for our community to her new role. As a third-generation business owner and a former city recorder in our region, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that our local businesses face. Brittany is committed to nurturing a strong support system that is vital for the survival and prosperity of our rural communities.
Brittany has always had a special place in her heart for the Oregon Frontier, captivated by its vast beauty and the warm welcome of its communities. She shares, “The Oregon Frontier is unmatched in its beauty and community spirit. I am dedicated to ensuring that this region we love so much continues to flourish for years to come. We need to create a thriving environment where our graduates want to return and prosper. I’m excited to lead our efforts and make a lasting impact.”
Autumn Ackerman
Program Manager
As the new Program Manager, I’m here to organize events, manage projects, and support our members in every way I can. Being one of the younger members on our team, I’m eager to infuse our projects with fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.
A Little More About Me:
Outside of work, my passions lie in traveling and the musical arts. These pursuits keep me inspired and energized, and I bring this energy back to my work at the Chamber.
A Personal Note from Autumn:
“Having lived in Condon nearly my entire life, I have a deep-rooted connection to our communities. I’m excited to collaborate with all of you and create meaningful experiences for our region!”
Connie Ramsey
The Mezzanine Manager
Connie brings a wealth of experience and a creative touch to The Mezzanine.
Upon retiring, Connie took on the role of Mezzanine Manager, allowing Connie to channel her passion for design and decoration into promoting and supporting local artisans.
Under Connie’s management, The Mezzanine has grown from hosting just 10 vendors to over 60, turning it into a key feature of our Chamber and a highlight for visitors and community members alike.
“I am honored to have the position of Mezzanine Manager with the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce. What a great retirement job! I get to create vignettes/displays and promote artisans, makers, and creators which is so satisfying and stimulating.”
Kayla Rutherford
Social Media Manager
Kayla has been an integral part of the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce team, expertly managing our social media presence from afar. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of community engagement, she has been pivotal in creating events, sharing essential Chamber updates, and highlighting the vibrant activities within our community.
Under her guidance, our social media channels have experienced a significant increase in traffic, greatly enhancing community engagement and connectivity. Kayla’s efforts ensure that our online presence is as dynamic and informative as our physical community, helping to keep our members and local citizens informed and involved.
If you have news, events, or shoutouts that you believe should be featured, and you’re an active member of the Chamber, don’t hesitate to send your contributions to Kayla!
Shellie Johnson
Condon Ambassador
Shellie Johnson serves as the Condon Ambassador with a deep-seated passion for her community and an unwavering commitment to promoting its growth and prosperity. Shellie brings a wealth of local knowledge and a personal connection to the area that is invaluable in her role.
In her position, Shellie actively engages with both new and established businesses, helping to integrate them into the community and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. Her efforts are critical in fostering a vibrant local economy and maintaining Condon as a welcoming place for entrepreneurs and families alike.
Shellie’s involvement in Condon extends beyond business development; she is a key organizer of community events and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents. Her dedication and enthusiasm for Condon make her a beloved and respected figure in the community, truly embodying the spirit of service and community engagement.
Jessica Richelderfer-Wheeler
Sherman County Ambassador
Graphic Designer
Jessica is a fifth-generation Sherman County resident and active member of the community. She spent her early career working as a copy editor and page designer at daily newspapers across the Pacific Northwest before moving back to her family wheat farm outside Wasco.
Jessica is the creative spark behind many of our community event posters and small business marketing materials. She is also a committed volunteer in her community, having worked with a number of local nonprofits and community event planners. When she’s not doing community outreach, event planning, graphic design and small business support on behalf of Oregon Frontier Chamber, she’s busy working as manager of the Wasco School Events Center, writing for The Times-Journal newspaper, serving on the board of Sherman Kids Zone, helping grow the Sherman County Garden Club, and running her own small soap and skin care venture Gorge Wildcraft.
“I love my rural community, I love to keep myself busy, and I enjoy putting my skills and creativity to good use,” Jessica says. “This is such a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and I’m just honored to be a part of it all.”
Amy Wolf
Arlington Ambassador
Amy Wolf is the dedicated Arlington Ambassador, bringing enthusiasm and a proactive approach to her role within the community. With a keen focus on fostering connections and enhancing Arlington’s appeal, Amy actively participates in local initiatives and collaborates with businesses and residents to promote the town’s unique culture and opportunities.
Her commitment to Arlington is reflected in her involvement in organizing community events, supporting local businesses, and advocating for improvements that benefit all residents. Amy’s efforts help to strengthen community ties and ensure Arlington remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Through her role as Ambassador, Amy Wolf continues to be a vital asset to Arlington, driving positive change and embodying the spirit of community leadership. Her passion and dedication make her a key figure in maintaining the dynamic and welcoming atmosphere of Arlington.
Kaylee Griffith
Fossil Ambassador
Kaylee Griffith is a dedicated pillar of the Fossil community, known for her entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement. As the owner of KC Country Value, Kaylee brings a unique blend of business acumen and local passion to her role as the Fossil Ambassador.
Always active in local events, Kaylee is known for her creative contributions to community activities and her eagerness to support local causes making her a valued member of the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce.
Emily Gazin
Mitchell Ambassador
Emily Gazin’s commitment to enhancing community engagement and fostering local pride is evident through her active participation in various initiatives and events in Mitchell.
As the Mitchell Ambassador, Emily works tirelessly to promote the unique attributes of the area, encouraging both community involvement and outside interest. Her efforts help to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Mitchell, making it a more vibrant and attractive place for residents and visitors alike.
Joni Kabana
Spray Ambassador
Joni Kabana has a deep love for the John Day River Territory and she loves to foster community via many avenues. Joni’s experience of owning a small business that centers on communications, marketing and visual creative direction gives her a great skillset to serve as Ambassador for Spray, Oregon. In addition to her small business and managing the 1859/1889 Magazines, Joni is the owner of the Spray General Store, a community and art center that hosts workshops, events and gatherings.