07/16/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Umpqua Economic Development Partnership Appoints Jeana Beam as Executive Director
Roseburg, Ore. — The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership (UEDP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeana Beam as its new Executive Director, effective immediately.
Beam brings a strong record of leadership and community engagement to the organization. In her new role, she will lead UEDP’s efforts to strengthen Douglas County’s economy by supporting business retention and expansion, fostering workforce development, and advancing strategic partnerships throughout the region.
“We are excited to welcome Jeana Beam as Executive Director,” said Matt Kowal, Outgoing Chair of the UEDP Board of Directors. “Jeana’s passion for our community, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to economic opportunity make her the ideal person to guide the organization into its next chapter.”
As Executive Director, Beam will work closely with local governments, business leaders, educational institutions, and community organizations to advance community prosperity initiatives that create family-wage jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and support long-term prosperity across Douglas County.
“Douglas County has always been a place where people come together to solve challenges and create opportunities,” said Beam. “I am excited to be part of that work in this new role. UEDP has a strong foundation, and I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our business leaders, community partners, and residents to help strengthen our local economy and support a bright future for the Umpqua region.
Beam’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as UEDP focuses on business development, workforce solutions, and regional competitiveness. Under her leadership, the organization will continue to champion initiatives that promote innovation, investment, and economic resilience throughout the Umpqua region.
The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership (UEDP) is a public-private partnership dedicated to promoting economic vitality throughout Douglas County and the Umpqua region. Through business recruitment, retention and expansion services, strategic planning, entrepreneurship support, and community partnerships, UEDP works to attract investment, strengthen existing businesses, encourage economic diversity, and create opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents while supporting a strong and resilient regional economy.
