Blaine Chamber of Commerce welcomes Sheila Wood as its new executive director. Wood brings in an array of experience, from her family’s event planning business in Woodinville to being part of the team that transformed Spokane’s Riverfront Park.
“A lot of the time people won’t get together unless there’s someone to host, and I love being the person to host,” she said. “This job is like that. I love being the person to help other people have fun and have an enjoyable experience.”
Wood grew up in Woodinville and watched her mom rent out their house as a wedding venue, which she said embedded a love for party planning in her from a young age. At Washington State University, Wood earned degrees in psychology and sociology, before returning to the Seattle area to work in the restaurant industry.
Spokane City Park and Recreation Department hired Wood for a two-year contract position, where she helped redevelop the city’s main park, Riverfront Park. In that position, she designed the pavilion’s interior, among other responsibilities.
Wood moved to Birch Bay at the beginning of 2021 after her fiancé was hired as a pharmacist in Everson. Wood said she had never visited Blaine or Birch Bay, but was immediately drawn to working in the area.
Wood said she looks forward to becoming active in the community and meeting more business leaders. On Wood’s itinerary for events this year is the annual scarecrow competition and the Holiday Harbor Lights that dress up downtown Blaine.
Although Wood is still transitioning to the new role, she said she has many ideas for the future – including a winter holiday bazaar.
“Blaine is such a cute town and I didn’t really know it existed until I moved here,” Wood said. “Especially in the summer, it’s a destination. People come on vacation here. It’s really cute. There’s lots of opportunities for more events in Blaine.”
When not working, Wood enjoys remodeling her Birch Bay home, running and going on walks with her 1-year-old German shepherd, Josie.
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