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Who are you?
I am Leise Rolfe. I live in Lebanon. I grew up in Oregon. We have three amazing children. After moving to Lebanon, my family quickly embraced everything small-town life has to offer. I have a deep appreciation for the close-knit communities that make Linn County such a special place to live.
What Role do you have with Connect Linn County?
I serve as the Secretary and Co-Founder of CONNECT Linn County. While each founder holds a title, the leadership team works collaboratively, sharing decision-making and supporting one another as equals. CONNECT Linn County was created to foster a fun, welcoming environment where people can be themselves and help shape the community events they want to see in their own towns.
Why did you help start this nonprofit?
I wanted to create a fun and inviting environment where people could be themselves and bring the community events that they wanted to see in their own communities.
We saw the need to create opportunities for neighbors and communities to come together to build positive and welcoming relationships where we focus on the positive.
What is your professional background?
I have been a nurse for 19 years, a background that strongly supports our nonprofit work. I am currently a Regional Nurse for a company that oversees Assisted Living facilities and Memory Care. Nurses see firsthand how their care helps people heal, cope, or feel supported during difficult moments. Knowing your work truly matters is powerful.
How does your professional experience support your nonprofit work?
Nursing has taught me compassion, attention to detail, and how to remain calm and effective under pressure. My career has taught me about truly hearing concerns, not just responding, which helps build trust and understanding. Adjusting quickly to changing situations, needs, and personalities helps us build relationships as a team.
What are you involved in outside of work and the nonprofit?
Outside of work and the nonprofit, I am a proud cheer mom! I enjoy traveling with my husband when time allows. Family time is a priority, and much of our free time is spent together. I love spending quality time hanging out with my family, going to concerts, family trips and just having fun.
What do you hope CONNECT Linn County accomplishes?
Through CONNECT Linn County, I hope to continue building partnerships with other organizations across the county, expanding outreach, and bringing meaningful community events to more areas. My passion lies in connecting people and creating opportunities to support and uplift others throughout Linn County.
Who are you?
I’m Melissa “Missy” Dalebout. I’ve been married to my best friend, Carl, for 20 years, and together we have three daughters, ages 21, 18, and 16. I was born and raised in Lebanon, Oregon, and Linn County has always been home to me.
What role do you have with CONNECT Linn County?
I’m the Treasurer and one of the four co-founders of CONNECT Linn County. I help keep an eye on the finances, but all four of us are very hands-on, we’re the feet on the ground, helping plan events, support volunteers, and do whatever needs to be done to serve the community.
Why did you help start this nonprofit?
I helped start CONNECT Linn County because I believe strong communities are built through connection. As a mom and lifelong resident, I saw a need for free or low-cost events, better access to resources, and more ways for people to feel involved and supported.
What is your professional background?
I spent over a decade working pharmacy in leadership roles, training, implementation, and pharmacy operations. I moved to the insurance industry, where I discovered a real passion for educating, helping protect what matters most, and providing , high-quality service. I currently work as a Personal Lines Specialist in insurance.
How does your professional experience support your nonprofit work?
Both careers have taught me the importance of trust, communication, and education. Whether I’m helping someone understand their insurance coverage or connecting families to community resources, my goal is always to make people feel informed, secure, and supported.
What are you involved in outside of work and the nonprofit?
Outside of work and the nonprofit, I love spending time with my family. One of my favorite things is watching my daughter dances and cheering them on. We also enjoy camping and riding our SXS together at the dunes or in the mountains whenever we can get away.
What do you hope CONNECT Linn County accomplishes?
I hope CONNECT Linn County continues to bring people together, remove barriers to participation, and create a strong sense of belonging throughout Linn County. I want people to feel connected, supported, and proud of the community they’re part of.
Who are you?
I’m Tishana “Tika” Harrison, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and community advocate. I am a mom of 3 wonderful kids and Linn County has become home for me. It’s where I’ve built my career, raised my family, and invested my heart in serving others. Family and community are at the center of everything I do.
What role do you have with CONNECT Linn County?
I’m the Co-President and one of the four co-founders of CONNECT Linn County. I help execute the planning, logistics and partnerships of our events and initiatives. While we each have titles, CONNECT is truly a collaborative effort — we all work hands-on, problem-solve together, and step in wherever we’re needed to best serve the community.
Why did you help start this nonprofit?
I helped start CONNECT Linn County because I saw a real need for inclusive, accessible community events and stronger connections between people and local resources. I believe communities thrive when people feel seen, supported, and included. CONNECT allows us to remove barriers, create welcoming spaces, and give back in ways that make a lasting impact.
What is your professional background?
I’m a Veteran with a background rooted in service, structure, and leadership. I’m currently working in the medical field while also owning and operating Bizzy Beez Events. My professional experience spans healthcare, logistics, coordination, and leadership - roles that require organization, adaptability and detail.
How does your professional experience support your nonprofit work?
Military service taught me leadership, accountability, and how to operate under pressure. Healthcare has strengthened my compassion and people-first mindset. Running an event company has given me the tools to manage timelines, vendors, permits, budgets, and large-scale logistics.
What are you involved in outside of work and the nonprofit?
Outside of CONNECT and work, my family is my favorite place to be. I also coach youth sports, volunteer locally, and stay actively involved in community projects throughout Linn County. I enjoy being outdoors, supporting local events, and finding new ways to bring people together.
What do you hope CONNECT Linn County accomplishes?
I hope CONNECT Linn County becomes a lasting source of unity, support, and pride for our community. My goal is for people to feel connected to each other and to the resources around them — and to know there’s a place where everyone belongs. If we can strengthen relationships, uplift families, and leave Linn County better than we found it, then we’re doing exactly what we set out to do.
Who are you?
I’m Karmel “Karm” Curtis (like the candy… but cooler, because it starts with a K ). I grew up in Brownsville and Sodaville and have deep roots—and a very large family presence—in Brownsville. Between Ted and I,we have six kids. Volunteering is a family sport in our house, so everyone gets “voluntold” regularly.
What role do you have with CONNECT Linn County?
I’m the Co-President and one of the four co-founders of CONNECT Linn County. I help with planning, community outreach, social media, sponsors, and keeping all the moving pieces moving. While we technically have titles, we’re all equals—just a group of people bringing our own strengths, ideas, and occasional chaos to make CONNECT work.
Why did you help start this nonprofit?
CONNECT started as a group of friends who wanted to do something meaningful for our community—and have fun doing it. I truly believe everyone has something special to offer, and we wanted a group with different backgrounds, ages, and skills where everyone feels welcome. We’re building the kind of community we want to live in (and invite our friends to join).
What is your professional background?
I’ve spent most of my career in business and caregiving. I’ve been a Group home Manager, CNA, Med Tech, Behavior Tech, Caregiver, and a Business Manager . I also have degrees in Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing, and Medical Billing & Coding. My favorite title, though? Mom.
How does your professional experience support your nonprofit work?
Caregiving taught me compassion and patience. Business taught me organization and problem-solving. Together, they’ve made me very detail-oriented and pretty good at leading with both heart and structure—which is kind of essential when you’re planning community events.
What are you involved in outside of work and the nonprofit?
When I’m not doing CONNECT things, I’m usually with my family or my dog (who clearly runs the household). I love community events, riding my Can-Am in the mud, hanging out at the river, and camping—basically anything that involves fresh air, a little dirt, and good people.
What do you hope CONNECT Linn County accomplishes?
I hope our future community events are full of laughter, connection, and good energy—bringing neighbors together to celebrate, learn, and grow as one community.
We’re dreaming big—more events, more joy, more togetherness, and more chances for our community to shine!
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