Meet Mike Steele, Executive Director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and a Washington State Representative

Representative Mike Steele

Mike Steele wears many hats in his service to the Lake Chelan Valley. As the executive director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce for 18 years and a recently reelected state representative, Steele has dedicated his career to advocating for his community’s economic vitality and quality of life.

Born and raised in Lake Chelan, Steele’s connection to the area runs deep, with family roots stretching back six generations. Steele’s passion for public service began early with a degree in Political Science and Business Administration. His career includes a stint at the White House on the Political Affairs Team and work with the Republican Caucus in the Washington State Legislature. Today, his dual roles allow him to blend his love for the valley with his commitment to addressing local and state needs.

We caught up with him recently to learn more about his vision for the Lake Chelan Valley.

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself. 

I was born and raised in Lake Chelan. I am a graduate from Pacific Lutheran University, with a major in Political Science and Business Administration. Upon graduation I had the opportunity to serve in the White House as a member of the Political Affairs Team. I moved back to Washington State in 2006 and began work with the State Legislature as a member of the Republican Caucus staff, until coming to the Lake Chelan Chamber where I have now served as the Executive Director for over 18 years.

I served as a member of the City Council in Chelan and am an active board member for several community and business organizations including: the Lake Chelan Community Hospital Foundation, the North Central Washington Small Business Loan Fund, The Board of Trustees for the Community Foundation of North Central Washington and the Lake Chelan Rotary Club. I am currently serving a second term in the Washington State House of Representatives.

What led you to this position? 

I have a deep love for the Lake Chelan Valley. My family has been there for 6 generations. When the job was posted several small business owners contacted me and asked me to apply. I was offered the job and have been in love with the position ever since. 

How do you balance your chamber director role with your duties as a state representative? 

There are many overlaps with these positions. Both positions are about building community and supporting local needs. I use the every day experience I have with the chamber to inform policy needs and solutions for the district and State. 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as executive director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce? 

I love the ability to help people, drive economic development and discussions that lead to a healthy and vibrant community. 

What does a normal day look like as executive director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce? 

Meetings, meetings and meetings. This job is all about networking and connecting people and working toward community solutions that benefit our locals and visitors alike.  

What is your favorite part about your job and why? 

I love helping people and making my home valley a better place to live, work and do business. We live in one of the most incredible places in the world and I love sharing it as an ambassador for the community. 

What are some of your goals for the Lake Chelan area?

I want Lake Chelan to be a place that remains known for its small towns and charm. A place where everyone feels like they are part of the community and can each bring something special to make this place a home. We are lucky to live in a place that so many people want to share and be part of. 

Who or what inspires you? 

I am inspired by our valley’s sense of community. People that have lived here for a long time or moved here recently all seem to know how special this place is and I am always inspired by the kindness, generosity and hardworking spirit the people of our valley exude and share. 

What do you like to do with your free time? 

I love to Ski! I enjoy reading and golfing when I get the chance. 

Is there anything else you want our readers to know? 

I am so proud to be part of this community and appreciate the many folks that have worked so hard over the years to continue help shape it and the future we share. 

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.