Eugene, Ore. – People often ask when DeLeesa Meashintubby finds the time to sleep. As the executive director at Volunteers in Medicine of Lane County, she plays a vital role in providing medical services for people who fall through the cracks. In addition, she also serves as pastor of St. Mark’s CME Church. Two full-time jobs filled by one amazing woman.
Her tireless energy for our community earned her the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 prestigious First Citizen Award, which will be presented at the Eugene Chamber’s annual Celebration of Business, on January 24, 2023, at the Graduate Eugene.
In addition to her professional commitments, Deleesa finds time to chair Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Community Health Board and sits on numerous boards, including Shelter Care, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Lane County, Pearl Buck Center, Bushnell University, Pacific Cascade Credit Union, and Strides for Justice. It’s also not unusual to see DeLeesa’s name as a speaker at various organizations around town.
The First Citizen Award is given annually to an individual who has made notable contributions to our community through business and community service efforts. The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has presented the award each year since 1938. A panel of former First Citizen honorees selected DeLeesa as this year’s honoree. DeLeesa’s gracious demeanor and willingness to help are well-known. She always makes time to talk with people, and many consider her both a friend and confidant. Her favorite words are “Thank you.”
In 2019, she was named the Eugene Chamber’s Woman of the Year. At that time, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she’s had to encourage other women. Her zealous commitment and passion for helping people inspire others to follow her lead. She takes pride in guiding medical volunteers at Volunteers in Medicine as they serve the health and wellness needs of the medically underserved and in ministering to her congregation.
The Eugene Chamber of Commerce proudly honors DeLeesa’s passionate commitment to our community and her career achievements with the First Citizen Award. Anyone interested in attending the Eugene Chamber’s annual meeting banquet, Celebration of Business, should contact the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce at (541) 484-1314. Reservations for this event are required. Tickets are $150 each, which includes dinner and the evening program.