FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Burlington Chamber CEO Steph Rees Named a 2026 SWAN Woman of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6^th, 2026
360-757-0994
nichole@burlington-chamber.com

Burlington Chamber CEO Steph Rees Named a 2026 SWAN Woman of the Year

BURLINGTON, Wash. — The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that President and CEO Steph Rees has been selected as one of four recipients of the Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network’s 2026 Woman of the Year Awards.

The annual awards recognize women whose leadership, professional accomplishments, mentorship, and community involvement have made a meaningful difference throughout Skagit County.

Steph’s connection to the Burlington Chamber spans more than a decade. She first became involved as a member in 2012, and her belief in the mission and value of a strong Chamber led her to join the team in 2016. Beginning in an administrative and front-desk role, she advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, including Director of Operations. In 2021, she applied for the President and CEO position, completed the competitive selection process, and was selected to lead the organization.

Under Steph’s leadership, the Chamber adopted its first comprehensive three-to-five-year strategic plan in decades, increased organizational assets by more than 80%, established the Burlington Chamber Foundation, and expanded Berry Dairy Days, Burlington’s largest and longest-running festival.

She has also strengthened the Chamber’s advocacy, partnerships, and direct support of businesses through COVID-19, major flooding, and other unexpected challenges. Following recent flooding, the Burlington Chamber Foundation helped distribute approximately $53,000 in grants to affected Burlington businesses.

Steph believes a strong economy and a strong community cannot thrive separately. She has worked to strengthen relationships among businesses, nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community leaders. Workforce development and youth engagement are priorities in the Chamber’s new strategic plan, with the Foundation positioned to expand opportunities for young people to explore education, skilled trades, military service, entrepreneurship, and other pathways into the workforce.

Although Communications and Digital Content Coordinator Nichole Long served as the official nominator, the nomination reflected the experiences and perspectives of the entire Chamber staff.

“Steph’s impact is felt far beyond the walls of the Chamber,” Long said. “Our team sees firsthand how deeply she cares about this community and the people she serves. She leads with resilience, confidence, and compassion while creating opportunities for businesses, women, young people, and community members throughout Skagit County.”

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized alongside three women who are making a meaningful difference across Skagit County,” Rees said. “I am where I am today because of the people I have chosen to surround myself with, and because they saw in me someone who would not walk through the door alone, but would hold it open and bring others along with her. This recognition may have my name on it, but it reflects the trust, encouragement, and shared work of our Chamber team, board, members, community partners, family, and friends. I accept it with deep gratitude and a continued commitment to create opportunities and help others recognize what is possible for themselves.”

Steph is also recognized for creating opportunities for women to grow and lead. She encourages women to lead with confidence and promotes collaboration rather than competition. Most recently, the Chamber partnered with Women in Networking Skagit to grow a morning networking group centered on professional growth, meaningful connections, and personal support.

Steph graduated from the Western Association of Chamber Executives Academy and Leadership Skagit in 2021. Most recently, she earned the IOM designation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management and was selected for the national Regent Scholarship in recognition of her leadership, professional involvement, and community service.

Her next professional goal is to pursue the Certified Chamber Executive designation through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The CCE requires extensive chamber leadership experience and a rigorous application and assessment process.

The 2026 SWAN Annual Woman of the Year Award Ceremony and Banquet will be held Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Community members, Chamber members, and friends are invited to celebrate Steph and the other 2026 honorees.