Robert Hansen Named Executive Director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
WALLA WALLA, WA (July 30, 2019) – The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance (WWVWA) has selected Robert Hansen as its new executive director. Hansen brings 38 years strategic planning, business management, and corporate finance expertise to the position. He will join the organization August 5.
As executive director, Hansen will lead a dynamic, membership-driven organization charged with furthering awareness and regard for Walla Walla Valley’s vineyards and wineries. Working alongside the Board, Hansen will lead the WWVWA’s strategic development, financial management, membership recruitment and community outreach efforts.
Hansen moved to Walla Walla from Portland, Ore. in November 2018. A highly respected Portland business and community leader, he held financial management positions with Ricoh USA/IKON Office Solutions and later with Brown & Brown Insurance NW. Prior to that, he worked in public accounting. Throughout his career in Portland, Hansen also held numerous nonprofit leadership positions, including 17 years on the board of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation where he served as president for two years.
“Robert’s nearly four decades of business and nonprofit experience made him the clear choice for this position, “said Muriel Kenyon, WWVWA Board President. “He leads with purpose and knows how to bring groups together by focusing on common goals and long-term results.”
“Walla Walla is a world-class wine region with an incredible group of dedicated growers, winemakers and business leaders,” said Hansen. “The wines are legendary, the vineyards exceptional, the scenery unforgettable and the accompanying hospitality amenities vibrant and dynamic. This is an exciting time to be in Walla Walla, and I look forward to continuing to bring the work of our winemakers and growers to the forefront of the wine world.”
Hansen and his wife Janie live in Walla Walla.
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About the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a non-profit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is the marketing of the Walla Walla Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry. More information about the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and its mission can be found at www.wallawallawine.com.
Contact:
Muriel Kenyon, President, Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
(206) 353-3672
muriel@otiskenyonwine.com
Facebook @WallaWallaValleyWine
Instagram @ WWValleyWine
Twitter @WWValleyWine
Editor’s Note: A high resolution image is available on request.
