EDCO Welcomes Garrett Loveall as Bend Area Director and Christine Munsey as Director of Events and Community Relations

EDCO WELCOMES GARRETT LOVEALL AS BEND AREA DIRECTOR AND CHRISTINE MUNSEY AS DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
New hires strengthen EDCO’s efforts to support business growth, community engagement and regional economic development

Bend, Ore. – May 13, 2026 – Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce the hiring of Garrett Loveall as Bend Area Director and Christine Munsey as Director of Events and Community Relations. Both roles are key to advancing EDCO’s efforts to support a strong, diverse and connected regional economy.

As Bend Area Director, Loveall will assist EDCO and local leaders in executing business retention, expansion and recruitment strategies that support the growth of primary employers and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness. The position works in coordination with the City of Bend’s Economic Development Division and focuses on initiatives and policies that make Bend an attractive place to do business.

Loveall has lived in Central Oregon for over 13 years and brings a diverse background in entrepreneurship, operations and supply chain management. In 2013, he founded July Nine, a lightweight bag company that began in Bend and expanded through local manufacturing and online sales. Before joining EDCO, he spent four and a half years at Hydro Flask, working in supply planning and inventory management.

“Garrett brings a valuable combination of entrepreneurial experience, operational expertise and an extensive understanding of the Central Oregon business community,” said EDCO CEO Jon Stark. “His background in manufacturing, supply chain management and business growth will be a strong asset as we continue supporting companies throughout the region.”

In her role as Director of Events and Community Relations, Munsey will lead EDCO’s efforts to design and deliver engaging experiences that showcase the organization’s impact across Central Oregon. The public-facing role includes oversight of events, board meetings and community engagement initiatives that strengthen relationships across the region.

“Christine’s passion for creating meaningful experiences and building strong community connections makes her an excellent fit for this role,” said Stark. “Her enthusiasm, creativity and event coordination experience will help elevate how EDCO engages with partners, businesses and the wider community.”

Munsey has lived in Central Oregon for 20 years and has a background in guest experience, coordination and event planning, most recently supporting events through COBA. She is passionate about creating positive experiences and cultivating strong relationships within the community.

EDCO would like to extend its gratitude to Specialized Recruiting Group, an Express Employment Professionals company, and Managing Director Karen Turner for their support in the hiring of Garrett Loveall. Their expertise in staffing and recruiting played an important role in identifying a strong candidate for the Bend Area Director position.

‍

EDCO also extends its thanks to Mid Oregon Personnel and to Owner and Vice President Sam Lambert for their support in hiring Christine Munsey as Director of Events and Community Relations. Their partnership and commitment to connecting organizations with talented professionals helped support EDCO’s continued growth and community impact.

‍