Historic Downtown Chelan Association adds new staff, board members

CHELAN - The Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) has announced a new staff team and the addition of two new board members as it looks to an exciting future for historic downtown Chelan.
The organization is looking to build on years of the HDCA’s great work and is poised to lead historic downtown Chelan to be even more vibrant and welcoming for locals and visitors alike.
After the former Executive Director departed the organization in late 2021, the HDCA board of directors launched a national search and recently hired Aimee Sheridan as the new Executive Director. Sheridan has been actively involved in various non-profits in the Lake Chelan Valley and brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the non-profit sector to the role. She has successfully run programs, raised revenue, increased awareness, and cultivated valuable partnerships to support the missions of many organizations that make a difference in their local communities.
Sheridan has been involved with HDCA for the last three years and is excited to be joining the organization.
"So much has been accomplished by the dedicated board members, volunteers and HDCA members and donors over the years,” says Sheridan, " I'm looking forward to continuing this important work together as we create the next chapter of the organization."
HDCA has also added Kiersten Sahlberg as the Marketing and Program Coordinator. Sahlberg comes to the HDCA with a background in land use planning and development, having spent five years as a project manager in Bellingham after receiving her BA in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy. She went on to earn her Masters in English Language and Linguistics before landing in the Chelan area.
“We have a truly unique community in the Lake Chelan Valley and it’s really exciting to be directly involved in envisioning the future of our historic downtown in Chelan,” says Sahlberg. “I look forward to bringing my skillset to the organization and continuing the work to preserve and amplify Chelan’s rich history.”
In addition, two new board members have joined the board of directors to help lead the organization. Adam Rynd and Alysha Ottrix bring great experience and energy to the board. Along with current board members Allison Flaten (President), Eric Campbell (Vice-president), Jenn Eastman (Secretary/Treasurer) and Servando Robledo (City Council Liaison), Rynd and Ottrix see the board as instrumental in realizing the vision of HDCA.
Rynd, his wife Kelli, and their family own Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate and several retail stores in Chelan, including Chelan Toys & Sweets, Lake Life, and Swim World. They strongly believe businesses have a social obligation to give back to their communities and they serve on several boards. Rynd previously served on the HDCA Board of Directors from 2013–2016. Rynd says, “My family and I are very passionate about the Chelan community and especially about preserving and enhancing our historic downtown. I’m honored to serve on the HDCA Board of Directors again and I look forward to being more involved in topics affecting historic downtown Chelan”
Alysha Ottrix relocated to Chelan full-time in early 2021 after years of frequent visits and has quickly taken an interest in the potential growth and development of downtown.  Before living in Chelan, Ottrix had a thriving career in wine and spirits sales and has continued her interest in the industry by working full-time for a Chelan winery.  Ottrix says, “The opportunity to serve the community as a member of the HDCA board is exciting because of the unique challenge of preserving Chelan’s wonderful history while propelling the town forward.” 
 
Sheridan and Sahlberg plan to get out and about for a listening tour. Sheridan says, “It’s important for us to meet our members right away and hear about what they are most proud of, and excited about for the future of Chelan’s historic downtown.”
You can reach Aimee Sheridan at aimee@historicchelan.org.

The purpose of the Historic Downtown Chelan Association is to shape the future and preserve the past of historic downtown Chelan.
Through their network of members and community partners, they present a powerful voice for historic downtown Chelan. They follow the comprehensive Main Street Four-Point Approach structure—which includes implementing a balance of activities in the areas of organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring—and to maintain and develop a positive, coordinated image of downtown. They work on promoting, defending, and preserving historic downtown Chelan: its culture, history, people, and local businesses.