Aligning Business, Education, and Workforce for Regional Growth

Join us for a lunchtime presentation with Kevin Leahy and Misty Bateman as they explore the economic headwinds shaping our region—and the innovative strategies turning challenges into opportunities. Learn how strategic planning, public–private partnerships, and collaborative workforce programs are driving growth and resilience across our communities. Discover how the business community’s leadership is essential to building a stronger, more adaptable regional workforce.

Kevin Leahy BIO Kevin Leahy serves as the Executive Director of Clatsop Economic Development Resources (CEDR)—Clatsop County’s economic development organization—and as Associate Vice President of the Clatsop Community College Center for Business, Community and Professional Development, including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Clatsop WORKS Internship Program, and the college’s Cooperative Work Experience Programs. Kevin has served as the Executive Director of CEDR and the CCC Small Business Development Center since 2011. Kevin serves on numerous local and regional boards, including the Cabinet of Clatsop Community College and the Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District Board. He is Chair of the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA) Business Development Committee, Vice-Chair of the Clatsop Forestry Economic Development Committee (CFEDC), and an advisory board member of the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of all three Chambers of Commerce and both Downtown organizations in Clatsop County. Kevin also serves on the OSU Extension Advisory Council and the Clatsop County Childcare Advisory Committee. A fourth-generation Clatsop County resident, Kevin is a graduate of Astoria High School, attended Clatsop Community College, and earned his Business Management degree from Oregon State University.

Misty Batement Bio Misty Bateman took on the role of Clatsop WORKS Student Internships & Cooperative Work Experience Programs Manager in March of 2022. Before that, she served as a Student Recruiter for Career & Technical Education with Northern Wyoming Community College District for four years. Prior to that position, Misty spent ten years as the Coordinator for Academic Affairs and the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, also at Northern Wyoming Community College. Misty holds a master’s degree in Education from Willamette University and a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Anthropology and History from the University of Wyoming. She has also earned a certificate of completion in Fine Art Photography from Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, OR.