Whitefish chamber selects new executive director

Veteran chamber professional and businesswoman Katherine Archibald has been named the next executive director of the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, replacing longtime director Kevin Gartland who will retire July 5. 

Archibald was chosen from a field of more than 50 applicants from across the country and impressed the search committee with her experience in the chamber business, her familiarity with Whitefish and the Flathead Valley, and her desire to make a difference in her new hometown. 

"We chose Katherine over the other candidates because she lives and breathes Chamber of Commerce culture and values," said Tony Veseth, chamber board member and chair of the search committee. "She has solid ties to Montana, and a great understanding of the needs of the Whitefish business community. By respecting the past and embracing the future, Katherine is poised to lead for many years.” 

Archibald's professional background spans the corporate, nonprofit and education sectors, highlighted by six years of experience in the Chamber industry, first at the Lethbridge Chamber in southern Alberta, and later as business development director of the Great Falls Chamber. She has also owned her own small business, a communications and marketing firm based in Great Falls, and has worked with a number of Montana companies to improve their business strategies and marketing efforts. 

"I have a deep passion for chamber work, community building and helping entrepreneurs succeed," Archibald said. "Successful businesses are built through practical skills, mentorship, collaboration and community, all of which are at the very foundation of a Chamber of Commerce." 

“I am honored to have a chance to step-in and serve the Whitefish community," she added. "I know I have big shoes to fill, so the first several months will be a period of listening and learning, as I work to understand the community more deeply and intentionally." 

Archibald's first day on the job will be June 1 and she'll work alongside retiring executive director Gartland for the next few weeks before taking the reins on July 5. 

"Whitefish has a unique and contagious energy," she said. "I'm excited to get out into the community and to work closely with our members, our board and community leaders to understand the needs of Whitefish, support business growth and strengthen our local economy."