June 26, 2023 11:30 a.m.(updated 1:40 p.m.)

Brian Prawitz will become the executive director of the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership, effective July first.

A release from the executive board of the UEDP made the announcement on Monday.  A new leadership team for the organization takes over at the start of the fiscal year. The board chair will be Matt Kowal. He is the senior vice president of the commercial banking team at Oregon Pacific Bank. Vice-chair will be Con-Vey CEO/President Dave Larecy. Board secretary will be Umpqua Community College President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt.

Prawitz told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that he has submitted his resignation from the Roseburg City Council, effective immediately. In an email to City Manager Nikki Messenger, Mayor Larry Rich and City Recorder Patty Hitt sent late Monday morning, Prawitz said his new job creates the perception of a conflict of interest with his position on the council. Prawitz said, “Hopefully the city will return as a contributing member of the Partnership soon, where I will be able to continue working with staff and council on some important projects”. The letter said it had been an honor to serve on the council for the past six and a half years.

Prawitz said his business, BP Media will phase out of operation during this shift.

Prawitz follows Partnership Interim Executive Director Jessica Fehrn in the role