Kristen was born and raised in Oak Harbor and moved to Skagit Valley in 1992 where she attended Skagit Valley College. She began her career in hospitality at the Best Western CottonTree Inn where she was quickly promoted to the Director of Sales and Marketing. Kristen excelled in this role and as a result she began serving as the chairman for the Best Western Washington State Co-op sales team. She led a group of sales directors from across the state in sales blitzes, trade shows, media tours, and more.

In 2001, Kristen was honored to step into the role of President/CEO of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce where she served until 2014. During this time she graduated from the US Chamber’s Institute program with a certificate in Institute for Organizational Management (IOM). Kristen quickly found that she had a true passion for business and the Chamber of Commerce industry. While at the helm Kristen revamped the chamber’s marketing structure and grew the chamber to one of the leading chambers in the PNW.  At the end of her tenure at the Mount Vernon Chamber Kristen had created a strong foundation focusing on Workforce Development, Economic Development, Membership, Government Advocacy, Tourism Promotion and Mount Vernon Marketing Campaign.

Currently, Kristen is employed as the Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for Hotel Services Group where she oversees the sales and marketing efforts for all hotel properties in the 9 property portfolio.  She is a vital part of the management team overseeing top line revenues in excess to 20 million while working with three national hotel brands: IHG, Hilton and Best Western. She also works closely with the HSG team on many aspects of operational efficiencies and guest satisfaction to ensure their hotels remain at the top of their competitive set.

If you know Kristen, then you know she has a love for charitable work and enjoys supporting local clubs and organizations where she puts her leadership skills to good use.  She served as co-facilitator of the Leadership Skagit program for 5 years and is a part of Challenge Days and other events. She is a proud member and past president of the Mount Vernon Noon Rotary Club where she is the scholarship, vocational and educational chair on the board and is also currently a board member for Boys and Girls club of Skagit County.  She is an active volunteer for the Forgotten Children’s fund, a founding committee member and Emcee for the “EnVogue” Fashion Show benefiting the Friendship House, a member of the Washington Hospitality Association Government Affairs committee member, and she volunteers with the 4-H Horse Leaders.   And this is just the short list!  Her activities and participation in supporting our counties many organizations is truly endless.

Kristen lives in Mount Vernon with her husband Donnie who is a partner at Wycoff Insurance in Mount Vernon and a partner with SB Venture Group who own Tulip Town, Skagit Acres and Fairhaven Mill. She has two amazing daughters who are her proudest accomplishments: Kylie (27) is currently a Deputy at the Skagit County Jail; Melyssa (24) is now her new business partner.