Kyla Allen named executive director of Lake Chelan Community Center

CHELAN — The Seven Acres Foundation has named longtime Chelan Valley resident and business leader Kyla Allen as executive director of the Lake Chelan Community Center.

Allen succeeds Maribel Cruz and becomes the second executive director in the Community Center’s history. She will report to the Seven Acres Foundation Board of Directors and oversee operations as the 44,000-square-foot facility continues its transition into a fully operating, multi-use community center.

Brooke Isaak, president of the Seven Acres Foundation Board of Directors, served as interim executive director during the leadership transition.

“Kyla brings a combination of executive leadership, business experience and deep roots in the Chelan Valley that make her exceptionally well suited for this role,” Isaak said. “She understands how to build strong organizations, develop meaningful partnerships and bring people together around a shared purpose. The Board is excited to welcome Kyla and very enthusiastic about what lies ahead for The Community Center.”

Allen brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, operations, business development and community engagement to the position. She spent more than two decades with North Cascades Bank, ultimately serving as executive vice president and director of retail and marketing.

Her responsibilities at the bank included marketing, retail banking, customer experience, business development, strategic planning and organizational growth. She also helped lead expansion, brand development and other organizational initiatives.

More recently, Allen has worked through Kyla Allen Consulting with businesses and organizations on brand strategy, communications and strategic growth.

The executive director position combines nonprofit leadership with business and operational management. Allen will be responsible for community programming, facility utilization, financial sustainability, partnerships, staff leadership, marketing and long-term organizational strategy.

The Community Center includes community and event spaces, commercial and nonprofit tenants, a gymnasium and performing arts center. The facility is continuing work toward completion of additional elements of its campus.

“The Community Center has already established an incredible foundation, and I’m excited about the opportunity to help build on that success,” Allen said. “I look forward to working alongside the Board, staff, volunteers, and our community to expand its impact and continue creating a place where people connect, learn, celebrate, and support one another.”

Allen grew up on a local apple orchard and has longstanding ties to the Chelan Valley. She has served on regional nonprofit boards, including the North Central Education Foundation and Chelan Valley Hope.

Allen and her husband raised two sons, both of whom now attend Boise State University. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, cooking, reading and traveling to spend time with friends and family.

Her appointment comes as the Community Center continues to expand its role as a gathering place for residents, families, nonprofit organizations, businesses and visitors throughout the Lake Chelan Valley.

The Seven Acres Foundation developed the Community Center as a long-term community project focused on connection, wellness, learning and belonging. The foundation owns and operates the facility and provides space for recreation, wellness, education, arts and culture, business and community activities.

“The Community Center has reached a point where the opportunity in front of us is every bit as exciting as what has already been accomplished,” Isaak said. “We have a strong foundation, an extraordinary facility and a community that continues to embrace what this place can be. Kyla has the experience, energy and collaborative leadership style to help us build on that momentum and take the next steps thoughtfully and successfully.”

As executive director, Allen will work with the Seven Acres Foundation Board, staff, tenants, community partners, donors and volunteers to strengthen operations, expand community engagement and partnerships, increase use of the facility and support the organization’s long-term financial and organizational sustainability.

More information about the Lake Chelan Community Center and Seven Acres Foundation is available at chelancommunity.org.