On Aug. 12, 2026, the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority (WTMA) officially appointed an initial Ratepayer Oversight Board to guide the development of a statewide Tourism Assessment Program.
The group, listed below, was nominated by the Tourism Advisory Group (TAG) formed in 2025. In their nominations, the TAG considered active industry engagement, geographic balance across the state, leadership and knowledge, and commitment to developing a model that works for Washington’s industry.
Over the next several months, the board will explore future program elements and self-assessment rulemaking, all of which would be contingent upon approval of businesses eligible to participate.
Initial Ratepayer Oversight Board
Lodging
Hotels/Motels:
Brian Flaherty, CEO, Columbia Hospitality (Seattle)
Melissa Green, Area Director, Davenport Hotels (Spokane)
Alkesh Patel, CEO, Evergreen Hospitality Management (Vancouver, WA)
Shaiza Damji, Managing Director, 360 Hotels (Snohomish and Whatcom Counties)
Justin Danlea, DCM Hotels (Yakima Valley)
Jesse Boyd, Co-Owner, Bavarian Lodge (Leavenworth)
Julian Orr, General Manager, Salt Hotel (Ilwaco)
Short Term Rentals:
Jordan Mitchell, Public Affairs Direct, Pacific Northwest, Airbnb platform (Seattle)
Alyssa Stinson, Public Affairs Director, VRBO/Expedia platform (California base liaising with Washington team)
Sean Lynn, Love Leavenworth properties (Leavenworth)
Beverage Industry
Wine:
Melanie Baker, Vice President, Direct-to-Consumer, Chateau Ste. Michelle (Woodinville)
Ryan Pennington, COO, L’Ecole No. 41 (Walla Walla)
Brewing:
Kevin Quinn, Co-Owner, Bale Breaker Brewing Company (Yakima)
Recreation
Golf:
Justin Gravatt, General Manager, The Home Course (DuPont)
Ski:
Jim van Löben Sels, General Manager, Mt. Spokane (Spokane)
Tour operators:
Dan Moore, COO, The Adventure Hub (Seattle)
Attractions
Attractions:
Kathy Gerke, Vice President of Sales and Events, The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass (Seattle)
Arts:
Scott Stulen, CEO, Seattle Art Museum (Seattle)
Nate Dwyer, COO, Seattle Theater Group (Seattle)
Live Events:
Kevin Sur, Artist Home (Seattle)
Travel Services
Transportation/charters:
Michael Rogers, CEO, Buslane/President, Show Me Seattle Tours (Seattle)
Tour operators:
Kevin Clark, President & CEO, Argosy Cruises (Seattle)
Sarah Copely, President, Puget Sound Express (Edmonds)
Restaurants
Lane Hoss, Special Projects Director, Anthony’s Restaurants (Kenmore)
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About State of Washington Tourism
State of Washington Tourism (SWT) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. SWT procures and administers funds for marketing efforts and creates and implements a strategic statewide marketing plan. For more information, visit stateofWAtourism.com or the industry site at industry.stateofWAtourism.com.