Woodburn Economic Development Director Jamie Johnk has been awarded the Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) Impact Award, recognizing her decades-long leadership in driving economic growth, community development, and regional collaboration across Oregon.
“Jamie Johnk’s visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and lifelong dedication to economic and community growth have made a profound impact on Woodburn and throughout Oregon,” the City of Woodburn said in a statement. “Her work continues to inspire, strengthen, and shape the future of economic development across the state.”
With more than 25 years of experience in economic development, Johnk’s career began with the Canby Business Revitalization Program before she went on to serve at Business Oregon, and later as an economic development leader for Silverton, Molalla, and Clackamas County. She joined the City of Woodburn in 2015, where she has since built the city’s economic development program “from the ground up,” transforming it into one of Oregon’s most successful models.
Johnk played a central role in securing Amazon’s 3.85-million-square-foot fulfillment center, a project that significantly expanded Woodburn’s job market and industrial base. She also contributed to the city’s 2025 urban growth boundary expansion, adding 237 acres of industrial land to support future business attraction and investment.
Her work extends beyond industrial growth. Johnk has secured numerous grants, including community development block grant funding that enabled the purchase of the Woodburn Family Resource Center, now home to essential services such as mental health counseling and domestic violence support. She has also been a champion of downtown revitalization, securing Oregon Main Street grants to restore historic buildings and launching the city’s Arts & Murals Program.
Johnk founded both the North Marion Business Alliance and the North Marion Tourism Collaborative, and continues to mentor economic development professionals statewide.
Her award reflects not only her achievements in Woodburn but her broader influence on Oregon’s economic development landscape.
