Olympia Downtown Alliance Introduces Dynamic Additions to 2024 Board of Directors Roster

The Olympia Downtown Alliance is thrilled to announce the recent election of two accomplished individuals to its Board of Directors, complemented by the appointment of new officers for the year ahead.

Comprising a diverse range of local small businesses, property owners, non-profits, and downtown advocates, the Board plays a pivotal role in guiding the Alliance's strategic initiatives focused on image-making, advocacy, economic development, and the crucial mission of maintaining a clean, safe, and vibrant downtown environment.

These initiatives align with the organization's overarching vision for downtown Olympia: “Olympia’s historic downtown is the heart of our region, buoyed by a colorful and welcoming environment, a rich diversity of people and positive experiences, and an activated, engaged community.”

Alliance Board President Shina Wysocki conveyed her excitement about the new additions, declaring, " I am very excited to work with this group of steadfast Olympia champions.  Each board member brings their unique experience and love for Olympia.  I’m thankful for their dedication to this wonderful place.  Together we will usher downtown toward mindful growth while honoring the vibrant history. We will also throw some pretty great parties.”

The newly elected members for 2024 are:

• Krista Bentow, Dancing Goats
• Mindy Roberts, Union Gospel Mission

Krista Bentow, Western Retail Operations Manager at Dancing Goats Coffee, brings 14 years of experience in Downtown Olympia. A resident for nearly 20 years, she is dedicated to the city's thriving downtown. Krista enjoys supporting local businesses, playing volleyball year-round, attending theater shows, and indulging in coffee throughout downtown. Passionate about community, she cherishes the friendships and neighbors that make Olympia home. 

Mindy Roberts, born and raised in Olympia, is a dedicated community advocate with a passion for volunteering instilled by her parents. A proud mother of two accomplished sons, she holds a BA in Marketing and Advertising from Saint Martin’s University and a Masters in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University.

Transitioning from a successful sales career, Mindy embraced the non-profit sector in 2014, joining The Olympia Union Gospel Mission where she currently serves as the Associate Executive Director. Under her leadership, a program distributing food to over 500 low-income children in Thurston County was initiated, empowering communities.

Mindy is committed to serving those in need. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys walks and dining with her husband, Nich, in downtown Olympia. With a goal to revitalize the downtown, Mindy encourages community engagement, envisioning a thriving hub for music, dining, and local experiences. Living what she calls a "Hallmark movie," Mindy cherishes her picturesque life in Olympia and dreams of the city becoming a backdrop for Hallmark films.

Angela Maki*, Director of Communication at Providence Swedish South Puget Sound, is a key member of the Providence senior leadership team since 2014. With a wealth of experience dating back to 1999, Angela has earned numerous awards for her achievements in communication and marketing. She is dedicated to ensuring caregivers have vital information and is passionate about community understanding of Providence Swedish's role in local healthcare.

Graduating from Washington State University in 1997 with a BA in Communications and a minor in Business, Angela's expertise spans from graphic design to crisis communications. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, home improvement, gardening, and traveling. Married to Tacoma Fire Department's Lieutenant Craig Maki, Angela has two adult children, Alexis (a kindergarten teacher) and Hunter (US Army special operations).

Excited to contribute to the community, Angela serves on the board of directors for the Olympia Downtown Alliance, focusing on making a positive impact through the promotions committee.

*Angela was appointed to the board in 2023.

Re-elected and returning to the Board for another term are:

• Jill Barnes, The Washington Center
• Nate Burgher, Nate Burgher Photography
• Janis Dean, The Popinjay
• Ryan DiCrescenzo, Property Owner
• Daniel Farber, Temple Beth Hatfiloh
• Rich Hoey, City of Olympia
• Sophia Landis, Sofie's Scoops and Gelato
• Angela Maki, Providence Swedish
• Aslan Meade, Thurston Economic Development Council

The Alliance's 2024 Officers are:

• Shina Wysocki, Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar, President
• Erik Johnson, Olympia Computer, Vice President
• Todd Monohon, Olympic Rentals, Past President
• Bobbi Kerr, Olympia Federal Savings, Treasurer
• Erica Cooper,  KBJ Investments, LLC, Secretary

The Olympia Downtown Alliance is poised for an exciting year ahead with this exceptional blend of new and returning board members dedicated to fostering the continued growth and prosperity of downtown Olympia.