Shannon Lipscomb

Researcher + Children’s Advocate

Driven by community impact, Oregon State University–Cascades developmental scientist Shannon Lipscomb is helping advance how Central Oregon supports children and families facing adversity. As associate dean of research and faculty advancement and professor of human development and family sciences, Lipscomb leads nationally funded work focused on resilience, early learning and trauma-informed practice. Her projects include Roots of Resilience—a program funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, now scaling statewide—as well as studies supported by the National Institutes of Health that examine children’s health, school readiness and environmental exposures. Through OSU-Cascades’ Human Thrive Research Lab and community-engaged projects, her work reflects a deep commitment to equity, early intervention and helping Central Oregon’s children, educators and communities thrive.

Sam Bousfield

Innovator + Entrepreneur

A lifelong innovator, Sam Bousfield—a Prineville-based aerospace entrepreneur—has spent decades turning cutting-edge ideas into real-world solutions. As the designer and CEO behind the Samson Switchblade flying car, his work is reshaping how we think about regional travel, blending sports-car performance with certified flight in a vehicle that fits in a standard garage. In December 2025, that vision earned national recognition when he received the GSA Global Innovator Award and a U.S. Congressional Medallion at a Capitol Hill ceremony, honoring what lawmakers recognized as the only viable flying car ever produced. Ideas that took flight in Central Oregon are now being brought to a global audience by Bousfield and his company, Samson Sky.

Todd Dunkelberg

Leader + Librarian

A champion for the Central Oregon community, Todd Dunkelberg has shaped how Central Oregonians connect to knowledge and one another. Dedicating 26 years to the Deschutes Public Library system—including more than 16 as library director—his leadership has guided the district through the Great Recession, a global pandemic and major bond-funded expansions, with a focus on keeping libraries open, welcoming and staffed. Beginning his career as a children’s librarian, he brought a deep respect for learning at every age to his work after moving to Central Oregon in 1999. As he prepares to retire in fall 2026, Dunkelberg is helping usher in a landmark moment—the opening of the new 100,000-square-foot Central Library at Stevens Ranch in May. Bright, energy-independent and community-centered, the space reflects the Deschutes Public Library’s enduring vision and the commitment to Central Oregon.