SOU Board member Everson named First Citizen

Dee Anne Everson, an SOU Board of Trustees member and the CEO and executive director of United Way of Jackson County, received the prestigious First Citizen Award at last week’s Excellence in Business Awards ceremony by the Chamber of Medford and Jackson County.

Everson was recognized for her long-standing work in support of local families, nonprofits and community development. Eli Matthews, the Chamber’s CEO and president, described Everson as “a leader amongst leaders” in the local business community.

“Everybody respects her, everybody listens to her,” Matthews said.

The First Citizen Award award honors community members who show exceptional service, leadership and dedication to Jackson County. Last year’s First Citizen was Al Densmore, a former Oregon state legislator, Medford mayor and Medford city councilor. Bill Thorndike and Lyn Hennion, both late members of the SOU Board of Trustees, are among previous winners of the award.

Everson, who has led the United Way of Jackson County since 1997, has announced that she will retire from that role next March. The organization has launched programs including Day of Caring, Women Living Leadership, the Meth Task Force and the suicide prevention effort In This Together under her leadership. She previously spent 13 years in the corporate financial sector, then transitioned to nonprofits as economist and research manager for the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

Prior honors for Everson including the Chamber’s Nonprofit Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award. She has also been named one of Oregon’s 50 great leaders by Oregon Business Magazine and received the Social Empowerment Award from the Black Alliance for Social Empowerment (BASE).

Everson joined the SOU Board of Trustees in November 2025.

The Chamber’s Excellence in Business Awards ceremony is an annual opportunity to recognize standout businesses and individuals, honoring innovators, community advocates and outstanding leaders. Honorees share the value of social responsibility and a passion for economic growth.