Shelli Robb-Kahler says she’s gained “invaluable” experience as she looks back at more than seven years as executive director of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Robb-Kahler was hired as executive director in 2011 and leaves the chamber to take a management position with Sound Community Bank.
She gave her six-week resignation notice about two weeks ago and plans to stay and help the organization find a replacement in the meantime.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have tendered my resignation with the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce,” Robb-Kahler wrote in an announcement to chamber members.
“Despite how much I have enjoyed my tenure with the chamber, and how very passionate I am about this organization, Sequim, and my role as executive director, I have been given an opportunity that is too good to pass up.”
Over her many years with the chamber, Robb-Kahler said some of the highlights of her time there include promoting businesses and organizations to help them succeed and prosper, building relationships and getting to know what makes Sequim businesses and its commercial climate “tick,” working with the Sequim Irrigation Festival, operating the Visitors Information Center, the education she’s received in the tourism aspect of her job, and training and building relationships with the volunteer work force.
Shenna Younger, the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce’s president, acknowledged Robb-Kahler in an announcement to members for her critical role in the Chamber’s health and sustainability. She credited Robb-Kahler for helping chamber membership grow, expanding its volunteer base, modernizing and streamlining processing while improving member benefits and services and building up chamber fund reserves.
“Shelli has done such a fabulous job over the past seven-plus years, and her achievements will not be forgotten,” Younger said in the announcement. “We wish Shelli the best as she transitions to her new role at Sound Community Bank. Change is inevitably hard, but there can be magic in new beginnings. ”
Robb-Kahler said the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce is the first nonprofit she has worked for, and that it was a priceless learning experience.
“I take much pleasure in the very diverse nature of this job and all the aspects of chamber involvement,” she said in an email. “No two days are ever alike. Representing the chamber and its community is an energetic task; however it’s been an absolute honor and privilege to do so.”
Robb-Kahler also said she’s enjoyed working with the chamber’s many community partners such as the City of Sequim, Clallam County, Economic Development Council and Sequim School District. The collaboration with these partners was rewarding, she said, in supporting Sequim’s area businesses and tourist promotion.
“Being a proud Sequimite and native, I have thoroughly enjoyed giving back and serving this wonderful community,” Robb-Kahler said. “We have amazing citizens in our fine community and the opportunity for the chamber in recognizing those shining stars annually with the Citizen of the Year award is also a monumental honor and will remain very special to me.”
One of Robb-Kahler’s favorite annual events is the Chamber’s Volunteer Appreciation held each fall to recognize “unsung heroes” in the community.
Robb-Kahler also gave recognition to her family for supporting her and the chamber over the years.
“I have to give a shout out to my husband and son who have also given their time and talents in supporting the chamber and Visitors Information Center,” she said. “It’s been a family affair and effort.”
Shelli Robb-Kahler participates in the 2018 Irrigation Festival Crazy Days Breakfast parade with Chamber members in May. Sequim Gazette file photo by Erin Hawkins
