Woman of the Year

Mary Ellen Wheeler was overwhelmingly named as this year’s Woman of the Year, honoring her tireless commitment to helping the McKenzie River Valley recover, rebuild and grow stronger in the wake of the Holiday Farm Fire.

At the heart of Wheeler’s work is her role as program manager for the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group (MVLTRG). Since November 2022, she has worked daily with residents affected by the fire, offering support, guidance and advocacy during what has been one of the most challenging periods in the valley’s history. Community members say nearly everyone impacted by the fire has felt her presence in some way, whether through direct assistance, resource coordination or simply letting people know someone was listening.

Wheeler is a founding member of Locals Helping Locals, an organization she co-founded with Cliff Richardson within days of the Holiday Farm Fire. What began as an immediate, grassroots response to the disaster has since become part of the broader MVLTRG, continuing its mission of long-term recovery and community resilience.

A fourth-generation resident of the McKenzie River Valley, from the earliest days after the fire, she was on the ground-checking in with neighbors, assessing needs, advocating for residents, and working closely with county and state officials to ensure the community’s concerns were heard and addressed.

Outside of her recovery work, Wheeler remains deeply involved in community life. She organizes local events, spends time with family and friends, and takes every opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the McKenzie River.

Her stories of growing up in the valley-and “shenanigans” survived along the way-have become part of the shared fabric of a community that continues to lean on one another.

For her leadership, compassion and unwavering dedication to her neighbors, readers say Mary Ellen Wheeler is a deserving Woman of the Year.

Other nominees included Gerry Aster and Brandi Crawford Ferguson.