Meet Our Staff
ELI MATTHEWS, IOM
President & CEO
541.608.8516
Eli Matthews serves as President & CEO of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. Matthews recently celebrated his eighth anniversary with The Chamber. As a fourth generation Southern Oregonian, Eli and his wife Kelly share a deep love of the Rogue Valley, enjoying the many outdoor adventures it offers. He has a BA from Wheaton College and a master’s from George Fox University. Eli is a graduate of both WACE Academy and Chamber Institute.
Matthews is a former Medford City Councilor and was senior vice president of Travel Medford. Matthews has a life saying: “Always give your 100%, unless you’re donating blood.”
President & CEO
541.608.8516
Eli Matthews serves as President & CEO of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. Matthews recently celebrated his eighth anniversary with The Chamber. As a fourth generation Southern Oregonian, Eli and his wife Kelly share a deep love of the Rogue Valley, enjoying the many outdoor adventures it offers. He has a BA from Wheaton College and a master’s from George Fox University. Eli is a graduate of both WACE Academy and Chamber Institute.
Matthews is a former Medford City Councilor and was senior vice president of Travel Medford. Matthews has a life saying: “Always give your 100%, unless you’re donating blood.”
CATHY WATT
Office Administrator
541.608.8515
Cathy has been with The Chamber for 10 years as the Office Administrator, responsible for all things financial for The Chamber, Travel Medford, and the Rogue Valley Foundation. She is staff for the Board of Directors as well as several Action Teams of The Chamber.
In her spare time, a trip in their Mustang to anywhere is at the top of Cathy, and her husband John’s, to-do list. Good food with friends at one of the many excellent restaurants or wineries make for a perfect Rogue valley day.
Office Administrator
541.608.8515
Cathy has been with The Chamber for 10 years as the Office Administrator, responsible for all things financial for The Chamber, Travel Medford, and the Rogue Valley Foundation. She is staff for the Board of Directors as well as several Action Teams of The Chamber.
In her spare time, a trip in their Mustang to anywhere is at the top of Cathy, and her husband John’s, to-do list. Good food with friends at one of the many excellent restaurants or wineries make for a perfect Rogue valley day.
T.J. HOLMES
Senior VP – Travel Medford
541.608.8533
T.J. Holmes serves as the Senior Vice President of Travel Medford after spending the previous 11 years rooted in the Redding, Calif., community in both the travel and tourism industry for Visit Redding and as a member of the media. A former Rogue Valley resident, T.J. returns home to the area where he’s spent parts of the past 25 years exploring the region's vast outdoor offerings and events with friends and family, including his wife and adventure companion, Tracy.
The personal connection T.J. feels for Medford drives his desire to champion community vitality and he believes collaboration and communication are essential in building a better community, often referring to the aphorism: "A rising tide lifts all boats."
Senior VP – Travel Medford
541.608.8533
T.J. Holmes serves as the Senior Vice President of Travel Medford after spending the previous 11 years rooted in the Redding, Calif., community in both the travel and tourism industry for Visit Redding and as a member of the media. A former Rogue Valley resident, T.J. returns home to the area where he’s spent parts of the past 25 years exploring the region's vast outdoor offerings and events with friends and family, including his wife and adventure companion, Tracy.
The personal connection T.J. feels for Medford drives his desire to champion community vitality and he believes collaboration and communication are essential in building a better community, often referring to the aphorism: "A rising tide lifts all boats."
ASHLEY CATES
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) - Travel Medford/The Chamber
541.608.8548
Ashley Cates serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Travel Medford & The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. Ashley brings unparalleled hospitality, tourism and small business experience from multiple countries to the forefront of her responsibilities as CMO. Ashley has a Bachelors degree from University of Oregon and is a graduate of Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy as well as holds a gold certification from Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Rogue Valley Vintners and was past president of the Upper Rogue Wine Trail as well as served two years on the Board of Directors for the Eagle Point Chamber Of Commerce.
Ashley’s passion for the Rogue Valley and small business exudes through everything she does. Meet her and you will know.
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) - Travel Medford/The Chamber
541.608.8548
Ashley Cates serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Travel Medford & The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. Ashley brings unparalleled hospitality, tourism and small business experience from multiple countries to the forefront of her responsibilities as CMO. Ashley has a Bachelors degree from University of Oregon and is a graduate of Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy as well as holds a gold certification from Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Rogue Valley Vintners and was past president of the Upper Rogue Wine Trail as well as served two years on the Board of Directors for the Eagle Point Chamber Of Commerce.
Ashley’s passion for the Rogue Valley and small business exudes through everything she does. Meet her and you will know.
IRMES DAGBA-CRAVEN
VP Communications & Programs
541.608.8534
Irmes serves as Vice-President of Communications and Programs. In this role, Irmes develops and oversees communication efforts aim to keep members and the community informed of The Chamber’s signature events and programs. Irmes has a Bachelors degree in Communications and International Relations and a Masters degree in Political Science. Prior to joining The Chamber, Irmes spent 14 years working for numerous Marketing and Public Relations agencies representing national and multinational consumer brands and developing strategic campaigns and initiatives aimed at driving earned media, buzz, awareness and most importantly business results.
A lover of languages and cultures, Irmes is a native French speaker and a fluent Italian speaker. She loves spending time with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling and is a self-proclaimed foodie.
VP Communications & Programs
541.608.8534
Irmes serves as Vice-President of Communications and Programs. In this role, Irmes develops and oversees communication efforts aim to keep members and the community informed of The Chamber’s signature events and programs. Irmes has a Bachelors degree in Communications and International Relations and a Masters degree in Political Science. Prior to joining The Chamber, Irmes spent 14 years working for numerous Marketing and Public Relations agencies representing national and multinational consumer brands and developing strategic campaigns and initiatives aimed at driving earned media, buzz, awareness and most importantly business results.
A lover of languages and cultures, Irmes is a native French speaker and a fluent Italian speaker. She loves spending time with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling and is a self-proclaimed foodie.
SHELLY WAGER
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Director of First Impressions
541.608.8526
Shelly serves both as Director of First Impressions and Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. Shelly is the staff liaison for Greeters, the weekly networking event, and The Chamber Ambassador team. She is your point of contact for ribbon cuttings and special events.
Shelly loves spending time with her husband of 30 years, her 3 children and 3 beautiful grandbabies. In her spare time, she loves working in her yard and enjoys the beautiful outdoors of Southern Oregon.
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Director of First Impressions
541.608.8526
Shelly serves both as Director of First Impressions and Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. Shelly is the staff liaison for Greeters, the weekly networking event, and The Chamber Ambassador team. She is your point of contact for ribbon cuttings and special events.
Shelly loves spending time with her husband of 30 years, her 3 children and 3 beautiful grandbabies. In her spare time, she loves working in her yard and enjoys the beautiful outdoors of Southern Oregon.
ANGELA WOOD
Director of Sales & Sports Development – Travel Medford
541.608.8517
Angela works primarily with groups that hold meetings, conferences, or team sports in Medford. She was instrumental in the formation the Southern Oregon Sports Commission in 2012, who’s main focuses are sports tourism advocacy, event procurement and venue development. Angela also serves as Festival Director for the Heart of the Rogue Festival.
In her non-working hours, she strives to see the world one adventure at a time. Angela also enjoys spoiling her grandchildren, hiking, entertaining, and discovering amazing wine.
Director of Sales & Sports Development – Travel Medford
541.608.8517
Angela works primarily with groups that hold meetings, conferences, or team sports in Medford. She was instrumental in the formation the Southern Oregon Sports Commission in 2012, who’s main focuses are sports tourism advocacy, event procurement and venue development. Angela also serves as Festival Director for the Heart of the Rogue Festival.
In her non-working hours, she strives to see the world one adventure at a time. Angela also enjoys spoiling her grandchildren, hiking, entertaining, and discovering amazing wine.
KIRA ZAVALA
Director of Business Development & Partnerships
541.608.8522
Kira serves as Director of Business development and partnerships. She works closely with for-profits and nonprofits that are looking to be apart of the business community by ways of membership, sponsorship and partnership. Kira joined The Chamber team in August 2018. Her past experience includes workforce development, recruitment and nonprofit work.
Kira has been a longtime chamber member, holding the role of Ambassador Chair for 2 years, cohost of Greeters as well as providing support to several of our action teams prior to becoming a chamber team member.
Director of Business Development & Partnerships
541.608.8522
Kira serves as Director of Business development and partnerships. She works closely with for-profits and nonprofits that are looking to be apart of the business community by ways of membership, sponsorship and partnership. Kira joined The Chamber team in August 2018. Her past experience includes workforce development, recruitment and nonprofit work.
Kira has been a longtime chamber member, holding the role of Ambassador Chair for 2 years, cohost of Greeters as well as providing support to several of our action teams prior to becoming a chamber team member.
SAMANTHA CAÑEZ
Digital Content & Production Manager – Travel Medford
541.608.8518
Samantha is responsible for promoting and marketing Medford as a leading visitor destination by increasing brand awareness with visitors, partners, travel writers and residents. She also supports Travel Medford’s digital content curation, social media, community outreach, and event coordination.
Outside the office, Samantha likes to explore the great outdoors with her fiancé and two little adventure dogs. She is also passionate about art and personal development and is constantly in the middle of a good book.
Digital Content & Production Manager – Travel Medford
541.608.8518
Samantha is responsible for promoting and marketing Medford as a leading visitor destination by increasing brand awareness with visitors, partners, travel writers and residents. She also supports Travel Medford’s digital content curation, social media, community outreach, and event coordination.
Outside the office, Samantha likes to explore the great outdoors with her fiancé and two little adventure dogs. She is also passionate about art and personal development and is constantly in the middle of a good book.
EMILY HUNTER
Communications Coordinator – Travel Medford
541.608.8511
Emily works primarily with marketing and communications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communications from Southern Oregon University in just three years, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As an Oregon native, she has an in-depth knowledge and passion for the Rogue Valley.
In her non-working hours, she loves to discover new trails to run and hike on. Emily also enjoys spending time with her husband, writing, entertaining, and drinking iced coffee.
Communications Coordinator – Travel Medford
541.608.8511
Emily works primarily with marketing and communications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communications from Southern Oregon University in just three years, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As an Oregon native, she has an in-depth knowledge and passion for the Rogue Valley.
In her non-working hours, she loves to discover new trails to run and hike on. Emily also enjoys spending time with her husband, writing, entertaining, and drinking iced coffee.