Community organizer pitches '40 Under 40' cohort to county commissioners

Holly Stork told commissioners on Jan. 6 that she has developed a '40 Under 40' program intended to create annual community‑builder cohorts in Klamath Falls. The program, Stork said, would select 40 nominees each year from community nominations and partner organizations to form teams that develop and implement year‑long projects to benefit the community.

Stork said the program has been in development for about two years, would include mentorship from local and regional partners and would seek to work in collaboration with existing local organizations such as the chamber, KCC and OIT (Oregon Tech). She named initial endorsers and sponsor partners and asked the board for advocacy and ambassadorship; Stork said she had checked with County Counsel and was permitted to use the words 'Klamath County' in the program name provided she did not use the county logo.

Commissioners responded positively and asked several practical questions about mentorship, cohort continuity and collaboration with existing programs. Stork said the program emphasizes cross‑sector representation — for example, having farmers, students, health‑care workers and small‑business owners in the same cohort — and described a plan for alumni engagement beyond the first year.

The presentation elicited support from commissioners and no formal board action was required; Stork said she would leave materials with staff for follow‑up.