Durham commits to give back to Sisters

"I'm really proud to grow up in Sisters," said Justin Durham, the newest member of the Sisters School Board, "Going through Sisters schools I always felt loved and honored, and I'm honored that I will have the opportunity to give back. Sisters schools are the town's biggest asset."

Durham was appointed to school board Position No. 3, vacated for medical reasons by past board chair Chris Jones. Position No. 3 will come up for election in May 2013 as a two-year term.

Justin moved to Sisters with his family in 1988, when he was in first grade. He grew up on 10 acres on Hurtley Ranch Road and rode his pony to the bus stop. He can still tell you the names of each of his teachers and their impact on him; he particularly remembers Rand Runco for third-grade P.E. His fourth-grade field trip is remembered as a rite of passage.

In sixth grade he got to go to "the new school" - Sisters Middle/High School.

"People were so excited. There was so much enthusiasm," said Durham. "I would like to see the district come back to that level of commitment; I think we may have forgotten a little bit who we are."

Speaking to the reason that he stepped up for the school board, Durham said, "I have a strong belief in servant-leadership. I am concerned that civil service has been devalued."

Durham credits his deep desire to give back in part to the late Bill Reed, local Realtor and community leader.

"Bill Reed was a huge example; his passing left a vacuum in the community."

From Sisters High School, Durham went on to Concordia University in Portland to get his degree in independent studies.

"I started out as a history major with a strong interest in biology and physical therapy. Then I discovered that I was much more interested in history and theology," said Durham. "I realize now the value of developing a coherent world view and conviction. Those are forgotten values. When it comes to college, it is often just about job training."

Durham developed a passion for basketball at Sisters High School and continued playing at Concordia where he met and then married a member of the Concordia women's basketball team, Leigh-Anne. They are about to celebrate their 10th anniversary. The couple has two children; Madison, 3, and Marshall, 18 months.

"Leigh-Anne is amazing," said Durham. "She is my best friend and my biggest encouragement in life. She recently stepped down from her position (at Sisters Coffee) to devote full time to our family. She is really excited about being on mission with me on this school board position. We do everything together as a team."

Fresh out of college, Durham got a job as the assistant manager at a downtown Portland coffee shop.

"You really learn how to work with adversity," said Durham. "You learn to think on your feet. You are in a war zone every day."

Around 2004, Justin returned to Sisters to help his parents, Winfield and Joy Durham, build the new home for the now iconic Sisters Coffee Company. Leigh-Anne finished her master's degree and did her student teaching at Sisters High School, but then switched gears and took over as general manager of the

enterprise.

Justin originally took the position as Director of Sales and Marketing, and as the company has grown, he has moved into the CFO position for a company that has blossomed to 60 employees, supporting the retail trade in both Sisters and the Pearl District store in Portland, and supporting more than 300 wholesale accounts in 10 states.

"We are humbled by it (the business), this whole building and the business itself is a miracle. It is not about us, it is God's blessing," said Durham. "It is not just us - it is the people that work here, they are incredibly committed and they are very high caliber individuals."

Durham hopes to pass on an ethic of service to his children.

"As they grow, my kids need to understand that the world is bigger than them. It is not about them, it is about serving God and serving others," said Durham. "One of my favorite quotes is from John Wooden: 'Success is peace of mind that is a direct result and self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.'"