Central Oregon Civic Action Project

ABOUT COCAP

Josh Burgess

Founder and Executive Director

Josh founded the Central Oregon Civic Action Project and organized it’s first Civic Assembly in 2024. He’s a social impact entrepreneur, board director, and executive coach to startups, governments, and nonprofits

Josh retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Air Force after a career as a special operations advisor, helicopter pilot, and international affairs strategist. He’s co-founder and Board President of REACT DC, a refugee resettlement nonprofit in Northern Virginia. He’s also Senior Advisor for U.S. Programs with Democracy Next, Entrepreneur in Residence at Columbia University’s Technology Ventures, and a partner with The Zone, a global leadership advisory firm. 

Josh lives in Central Oregon with his wife, a retired Army officer, and their two children who enjoy the outdoors, traveling, and volunteering in their community.

Regional Steering Committee

Donna Burklo

Bend resident, non-profit executive and consultant

Zavi Borja

Visit Bend, Latino Community Association Board

Alex Lehman

2024 Assembly Delegate

Margaret Hill

2024 Assembly Delegate

Zak Boone

Central Oregon Community College Foundation

Matt Muchna

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Nick Tierney

Newberry Regional Partnership

Taha Elwefati

Oregon State University – Cascades

Max Chang

2024 Assembly Delegate

Kellen Klein

Citizens4Community

Project Management

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Leah Guliasi

Warm Springs Community Action Team

MEDIA

KTVZ — “Deliberative democracy takes center stage at Central Oregon summit”

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