DMA Honored Retiring Board Members and Elected Two New Board Members at the December 9 Annual Meeting
DMA honored two outgoing directors, MARTA TARANTSEY and EJ MCMANUS, for their many years of dedicated service—McManus serving since the organization’s inception, and the past few years as Board President and Tarantsey contributing her leadership over the past six years. Both played key roles in strategic initiatives, organizational growth, and downtown revitalization efforts.
Marta reflected on her time with DMA, sharing that “serving on the DMA Board has been a rewarding opportunity to give back to my community, as a downtown tenant and neighbor. In the six years of volunteering in this capacity, I saw DMA grow stronger and come full circle in a way, from receiving the catalytic support from our Founding Partners and our first grants, to now in turn bringing grant opportunities to our downtown.”
“We are grateful for their service, their vision, and their belief in what downtown can be,” said Executive Director, Annie Jenkins.
New board members, Andy Whitlock and Nicholas Wherry, bring experience, dedication, and a shared passion for strengthening Downtown Medford’s future.
ANDY WHITLOCK
Andy Whitlock is the co-owner of Em’z Blendz Soap Co., a handcrafted bath and body manufacturer with its production studio and flagship retail shop in Downtown Medford. He and his wife, Emily Whitlock, relocated the company’s headquarters to East Main Street in early 2025, strengthening their long-term commitment to Medford’s downtown core.
Andy leads brand development, packaging design, product photography, and the company’s full digital presence. He creates every Em’z Blendz label, photographs all products in-house, and designs and codes the company’s website. He also works directly in production, regularly making soap and supporting the daily operations of the Medford studio. His mix of creative skill, technical knowledge, and hands-on manufacturing experience gives him a practical, well-rounded perspective on small business operations.
A sixth-generation Southern Oregonian, Andy brings both deep local roots and a small business owner’s perspective to his work. He helps guide the company’s growth while maintaining its commitment to handcrafted quality and Downtown Medford’s business community.
Off the clock, Andy is either playing guitar, traveling with Emily and their dogs, Mazel and Buddy, or spending time with their adult kids, Nate and Jaden. He also enjoys philosophy, music, and thoughtful sci-fi and fantasy storytelling.
NICHOLAS WHERRY
Nicholas Wherry is a proud advocate for Medford’s downtown and an active community builder throughout the Rogue Valley. As a Digital Consultant working in local office technology solutions, he’s built strong relationships with businesses of all sizes by helping them streamline operations and reduce costs. His approach is simple: show up, listen, and support the people who keep Medford running.
Nicholas has become a familiar face across downtown through his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, volunteer projects, and local events. He was honored with the Chamber’s New Member of the Year award in 2024 and has continued to bring energy, collaboration, and genuine connection to every room he walks into. Whether he’s helping with a project or highlighting other local businesses, he’s always finding ways to uplift the community he serves.
His passion for Medford is rooted in the belief that strong neighborhoods are built on participation. Nicholas is committed to amplifying local voices, creating welcoming spaces, and strengthening the economic heartbeat of downtown. As a Downtown Medford Association board member, he will bring a hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset and a deep appreciation for the businesses, volunteers, and organizations that make Medford special.
Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Nicholas is a devoted partner to Madeline, and enjoys tending to his garden, exploring the Rogue Valley, spending time with his fur babies, and dreaming up local business concepts. He’s excited to help guide the future of Downtown Medford and continue supporting the people who make it feel like home.