Team Bios

TONYA DOWSE
Executive Director

Tonya Dowse has served as Executive Director of the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council since 2005, leading one of California’s most innovative rural economic development organizations. She is recognized for bringing together partnerships, investment, and practical solutions that expand what is possible in rural communities.

Tonya leads a high-performing team that has grown the Council into a regional hub for entrepreneurship, tourism, economic vitality, and community resilience. The organization hosts the Shasta Cascade region’s Small Business Development Center and a California Business Innovation Hub. Her team launched Discover Siskiyou, established Siskiyou Farm Co., created the state-recognized Siskiyou Climate Collaborative, and was selected as a California Jobs First Pilot.

She has championed sophisticated tools rarely deployed in rural communities, including EPA Brownfields funding, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts, Business Improvement Districts, and New Markets Tax Credits—attracting significant public and private investment and building long-term economic capacity.

Tonya has been recognized by the California Association for Local Economic Development as one of its 40 Most Influential Economic Development Professionals and as a 2025 Local Economic Development Champion. In 2026, she was honored as Assemblymember Heather Hadwick’s Woman of the Year.

Known for building trusted partnerships across industry sectors and diverse interests, Tonya believes rural communities deserve the same opportunities, investment, and access to resources as anywhere else. She leads with humility, determination, and an unwavering belief in what is possible when communities work together.

QUINTIN GADDY
Program Director, Small Business Services

Quintin brings in-depth technical research skills and a wide range of knowledge and experience with him to the Siskiyou EDC. His strong aptitude for research and quantitative analysis makes him a versatile addition to the team’s ability to provide technical assistance in Siskiyou County. After graduating from Yreka High School, Quintin went on to receive a Master of Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology in International Affairs, focusing on the intersections of technology and sustainable development. Throughout his studies he collaborated on sustainable development projects with the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Sciences Po - Paris, contributed to research contracted by the US Department of Defense, worked on legislation passed into law in the Georgia House of Representatives, and lectured university courses on Global Leadership and International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

HEATHER DODDS
Program Director, Tourism and Marketing

As the Program Direct for Tourism and Marketing, Heather Dodds serves as the primary point of contact for Siskiyou TBID stakeholders. With a degree in Journalism from Biola University, she has more than a decade of experience in communications, including newspaper writing and editing, public relations, social media content creation, and financial services marketing. Heather moved to Siskiyou County from Los Angeles in 2007, and while she initially planned to stay for just a few months, the gorgeous scenery, friendly people, and lack of traffic won her over. In her spare time, she runs a small business on Etsy and coaches at CrossFit Northern Limits in Yreka. If you have questions or comments about the TBID, talk to Heather!

KORY HAYDEN
Program Manger, Economic Resiliency and Growth

Kory Hayden serves as a program manager for Economic Resiliency and Growth. Kory’s experience with project implementation and strategic planning allow her to further economic development in the Siskiyou County rural region. After receiving a Bachelors Degree in English from Saint Mary’s College of California, Kory served in program development in the Department of Athletics for several years. In 2013 she returned to Siskiyou County with extensive experience in management and communications. Kory oversees partnerships, initiatives and training opportunities that promote business, growth and investment in Siskiyou County.

JEN THACKERAY
Finance Director

Jen Thackeray serves as the Fiscal Director for the Siskiyou Economic Development Council. She contributes knowledge of financial tracking, record keeping, and a high degree of professional experience to the Siskiyou EDC. Jen serves the organization having earned two bachelors degrees; one in Animal Science and the second in accounting. Siskiyou County has been a life long home to her where she and her husband raise their family. Working with the Siskiyou EDC gives Jen the opportunity to support and aid programs that promote growth and success of Siskiyou County.