Submitted by Experience Olympia & Beyond
Shauna Stewart, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond announced she is stepping down from her position due to health and family circumstances. The board of directors has accepted her resignation, and her last day will be November 4, 2020.
“My time with this organization has been an absolute dream, gift and honor. I’m grateful I was able to team up with so many incredible community members and leaders to accomplish big wins for the region’s tourism industry,” said Stewart. “I am encouraged for the next season of leadership at Experience Olympia and Beyond. This is a strong, vibrant, and financially healthy organization that is highly respected in the industry.”
Stewart led the organization for five years, during which time visitor spending in the region grew by 25 percent. Under her leadership, the destination went through a complete rebrand in 2016 and earned industry accreditation through Destinations International.
The 21-person board of directors, led by board president, Michael Davidson, Director of Sales at the DoubleTree by Hilton, will start the recruiting process immediately to replace Stewart and expects the executive search process to generate national attention and a talented pool of candidates. In addition to Davidson, Experience Olympia & Beyond’s Executive Committee includes Kelly Green, Vice President, with South Puget Sound Community College, Sue Falash, Secretary, with Regional Athletic Complex, Christina Daniels, Treasurer, with Huber Gasthaus, Jill Barnes, Past President, with The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Patty Belmonte, Member At Large, with Hands On Children’s Museum and Kathleen Thomas, Member at Large, with Saint Martin’s University.
“Shauna has been an incredible asset to our community and put Thurston County on the map in a big way,” said Michael Davidson, Experience Olympia & Beyond Board President. “She leads with grace, passion and grit, and we are truly sorry to see her leave. However, we respect her decision and recognize she is putting her values first, and right now, that means giving all of her attention to her family and her health.”
