About Us

Visit Chelan County Staff:

Executive Director –Jerri Barkley

est. 2026 Board Members – three-year terms

Chair: Sean Lynn, Love Leavenworth Vacation Rentals, Leavenworth – exp 2028

Sean Lynn is the founder and CEO of Love Leavenworth Vacation Rentals. He brings decades of experience and a broad perspective to tourism and hospitality, advocating for responsible short-term rental and tourism policies at both the local and state levels. Sean also serves as chair of the Visit Chelan County board. He and his family live in Leavenworth. Before founding Love Leavenworth, Sean worked as a professional river guide and river manager during summer and at Stevens Pass in the winters.

Vice Chair: Tom Pettigrew, Amos Rome Vineyards, Manson – exp 2027

Co-owner at ARV Wines, and founder of Chelan Vineyard Management LLC, and member of the legislative affairs committee of Washington Winegrowers. Tom has significant experience helping companies succeed in worldwide markets, including building sales teams, developing strategic alliances, establishing OEM partnerships, driving channel sales, and managing international operations. He and his family live in Manson, and he currently serves as Vice Chair of Visit Chelan County

Secretary: Creighton Hilstad, Henry Harrow, Wenatchee – exp 2027

Owner of Henry Harrow, a premier retailer in Wenatchee that carries fine gifts for home and hearth, Pendleton clothing, chocolates, cheeses, and more. Creighton has extensive experience in visual arts and fashion; his career includes 19 years at Bon Marche as well as owning other retail stores. He lives in Entiat with his son and partner Eddie. Creighton serves as the Secretary for Visit Chelan County.

Treasurer: Nicole Thompson, Chelan County, Wenatchee – exp 2028

Born, raised, and still living in the Wenatchee Valley, she started her career in public accounting before changing careers by moving to Chelan County. She started as the Business Manager of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center and is now the Budget Director under the Chelan County Commissioners. Nicole currently serves as the Treasurer for Visit Chelan County.

Shane Wilder, Icicle TV, Leavenworth – exp 2027

Shane has worked with destination organizations across Chelan County since 2009, starting behind a camera and still shooting much of the work today. He owns Icicle TV in Leavenworth, where his work spans photography and video, website development, search and analytics, and social media for clients including the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Leavenworth. He has photographed the county from Stehekin to Manson to the Icicle Valley, and he pays as much attention to the analytics behind a campaign as to the images in it. Off the clock, he mountain bikes, climbs, paddles, and skis. Given the choice, he’s fishing on Lake Chelan.

Durk Johnson, NW Vacations, Chelan – exp 2029

General Manager of Northwest Vacation Rentals, with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, along with an MBA in Hospitality from École hôtelière de Lausanne, and board governance training through the University of Georgia. Durk has a board perspective on destination tourism and the importance of collaboration among businesses, community organizations, and public partners to create thriving, sustainable visitor economies. He resides part-time in Chelan and part-time in the San Juans.

Cody Whitmer, Boyne Resorts, Leavenworth – exp 2029

Director of Visual Design and Brand for Boyne Resorts. His work sits at the intersection of destination marketing and guest experience for the company’s 12 mountain and resort destinations across North America. Growing businesses in tourism and recreation visitation while staying true to their character. He resides in Leavenworth

Committees

Exec Committee: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer

Marketing: Leavenworth Chamber – Jessica Stoller, Wenatchee Valley Chamber – Ashley Sinner, Lake Chelan Chamber – Mike Steele, and board members: Creighton Hilstad & Shane Wilder

Finance: Tom Pettigrew, Nicole Thompson (Chair)