Cle Elum became home in 2019, and over the past six years, it has been nothing short of an incredible experience to be part of this community. I’ve felt called to serve our community, so at the end of 2024, I embarked on a journey to serve on the city Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission. That quickly took a sharp right turn toward an appointed position on the Cle Elum City Council when John Glondo retired at the end of the year.
With a strong tradition of service running generations deep, I’ve lived my life believing the places we are in are the places we’re fortunate to serve and positively impact. As I’ve grown to appreciate Cle Elum’s rich history and unique culture, I’ve felt deeply inspired to get involved and support the ongoing resilience and preservation of this remarkable place we call home—right here in the heart of the Cascades.
My story starts in rural small-town Kalispell, Montana, or I should say a community that isn’t such a small town anymore. A place where the local saloon had long tables for family gatherings, kids could carve their names in the wood of the walls, and you could get the best slice of pizza you’d ever had. Seeking more stability and opportunity, we relocated to Seattle when I was a child. I experienced the best of both worlds, exploring and discovering new things in a buzzing city and spending summers back home where I would go fishing at the local sportsman’s store’s kid ponds.
Growing up, I valued my experiences in both worlds but missed a sense of community with roots and unique culture, where neighbors were friends. After many years of visiting family in Kittitas County, my fiancé Gabe and I realized Upper County had our hearts and decided to make Cle Elum home. (It’s a longer story than that… ask me about it for a good laugh). We loaded up our fur babies, packed up our house, and headed over the mountain. We haven’t looked back since!
My reason is simple: I love Cle Elum. I strive to serve and lead for Cle Elum.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to understanding how people experience and interact with their environments. My journey—from customer service and property management to human resources—has shaped me into a professional listener, bringing a unique perspective to every challenge. I believe truly understanding how actions impact individuals is essential for creating a positive experience in any environment. As a graduate of CWU with a degree in information technology and administrative management, focusing on project management, I can work from many angles and look at things from a short- and long-term perspective.
As an experienced leader, I excel at planning, executing, and collaborating to achieve successful long-term outcomes. I’ve consistently approached my roles with an operational vision, ensuring risks are carefully considered and managed while approaching change thoughtfully. Previously leading property management teams and now as a leader in HR, my foundation for success has always been rooted in transparent communication, fostering trust, and building lasting relationships with everyone I interact with.
Just like creating an experience for a customer, a resident of a home, or an employee at work, a city and community is a group of experiences one has. The decisions the local leaders make will affect how citizens experience their city and live their lives within it.
Since being appointed to the Cle Elum City Council in January, I have participated in numerous efforts to lead passionately and do the hard work necessary to serve our city. As our appointed Upper County representative on the Kittitas County Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee, I am dedicated to advancing affordable housing development in our area. I was appointed Council Liaison to the Planning Commission and aim to strengthen relationships and encourage communication.
Outside of my professional career, I’ve been volunteering in my communities since I was a young person – from sorting clothing at a clothing bank to planning events for a senior home to engaging with various mentorship programs that offer the opportunity for young people and professionals to receive advice and guidance. I can’t remember when I wasn’t searching to connect with and serve my community.
When I am not at work, at city hall, or doing volunteer work, I am probably in my backyard with my dog Nola and fiancé Gabe, with a pork butt in the smoker and a produce basket filled with vegetables from our garden. I have an affinity for house projects and love designing spaces that make me feel most at home (creating experiences really is my thing!).