A True Passion for Pendleton
Steve Chrisman has served as Pendleton's Economic Development Director since July 2013. He has a diverse business background, including economic development, hospitality, real estate, property management, group sales, and marketing. Most notably, Steve spearheaded the City's effort to become an FAA-approved unmanned vehicle test range, which truly revitalized a long-struggling WWII-era airport. The Pendleton UAS Range is currently the most active UAS range on the West Coast with numerous Fortune 500 customers and tenants. Steve's passion for Pendleton runs deep, and his commitment to excellence is a big reason how Pendleton has Reinvented Rural.
Prospering in Pendleton
Andrew Wolotira is a born and raised Pendletonian. After graduating from Pendleton High School in 2020, he attended Blue Mountain Community College for one year while completing his Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Transfer degrees. He was also a member of the men’s soccer team and a student ambassador for BMCC. After BMCC, he continued his education at Whitworth University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. He was also a member of the men’s soccer team at Whitworth and had a jazz scholarship. After graduating in May 2024, Andrew decided to join the economic development team in Pendleton to help see his hometown and community grow and prosper.
Pendleton's Commitment to Excellence
Purpose
The Pendleton Economic Development Department's purpose is to serve as the primary contact and guide for corporations and businesses wishing to start, relocate, expand or develop in Pendleton, Oregon.
Mission
The Pendleton Economic Development Department’s mission is to attract a new generation of innovators, support established businesses, incentivize strategic investments that improve Pendleton’s economy, and cultivate community growth.
Vision
The vision of the Pendleton Economic Development Department is to provide all of the necessary resources, information, and incentives for businesses of all sizes to continue reinventing rural in Pendleton, Oregon.