Lake Chelan Community Center welcomes Maribel Cruz as first executive director

CHELAN – Seven Acres Foundation President Ty Witt announced the appointment of Maribel Cruz as the inaugural Executive Director for the Lake Chelan Community Center. Cruz, who has been instrumental in the center's development as Director of Operations for the past year-and-a-half, is set to lead the project to fruition.

"We are excited to welcome Maribel Cruz as our Executive Director," Witt declared. "She has played an essential role in our development as Director of Operations for the past year-and-a-half. The first-hand knowledge Maribel gained while wearing many hats on critical committees has prepared her well for all that's ahead of us."

Maribel Cruz's journey to this pivotal role is marked by her commitment to the community and professional background. After earning her bachelor's degree in Business Management, Cruz worked for a Seattle-based corporate event planning company, gaining diverse experiences and a love for travel. Her journey took a new turn when she married her high school sweetheart, Chris, in 2004, and she transitioned to a career as a civil servant for the City of Seattle.

The allure of the Lake Chelan Valley drew Maribel Cruz and her family to Manson in June 2021. They were captivated by the small-town atmosphere, the strong sense of community, and the emphasis on personal connections. Maribel expressed her dedication to fostering relationships and ensuring a safe environment for people to live, work, learn, and play.

One of her driving motivations is to support those who may have been overlooked, forgotten, or underrepresented. As a Latina and Mexican American, Cruz understands the complexities of duality and the challenges of living in an area isolated from major metropolitan hubs. She recognized the need for a central hub to provide convenient access to essential resources, which the Lake Chelan Community Center aims to address.

When asked about her excitement for the Executive Director role, Cruz commented, "I'm honored to be entrusted with the opportunity, which will allow me to make a greater impact on how The Lake Chelan Community Center will function for years to come." She expressed her enthusiasm for the wide range of possibilities the center will offer, from fitness and recreation to meetings and gatherings.

Maribel Cruz's dedication to transparent communication is a key aspect of her approach. She encourages community members to reach out with questions, emphasizing that despite the enormity of the project, she is accessible and eager to share updates about The Community Center's progress. She can be reached via email at maribel@chelancommunity.org.

The Lake Chelan Community Center, under Maribel Cruz's leadership, is set to become a cornerstone of the community, providing a safe space for residents to connect, grow, and thrive. With her wealth of experience and passion for community development, Cruz is poised to lead the center to new heights.