The Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that Kristina Olivas of Hermiston has been selected as the Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer. Olivas started her new role Tuesday, March 30.
As CEO, Olivas will lead interactions with the Chamber’s 400+ members, plan events and activities, coordinate the various Chamber committees and manage efforts to develop a new Chamber office and workforce development center at South Highway 395 and East Evelyn Avenue.
Olivas has spent the past five years as Human Resources Office and Training Manager at the Walmart Distribution Center. Among her duties leading an HR department, she provided counseling, coaching and policy leadership to nearly 1,000 employees.
She previously worked as a purchasing and maintenance planning manager at Oregon Potato Company in Boardman and as a sales associate at Wilcox Furniture.
Olivas brings the experience, skills and personality needed to connect with a culturally diverse and growing community, said Annette Kirkpatrick, Chamber board president.
“We are impressed with Kristina’s energy, work history and love of community,” Kirkpatrick said. “She has a natural ability to listen and connect with others. We expect Kristina to not only continue our successful programs, but to work with members, partners and community stakeholders to bring our Chamber to a new level of service.”
Hermiston born and raised, bilingual in Spanish and English, mother of two-teenaged daughters and a young son, Olivas enjoys spending time with family and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
For work, “My career goal has always been to develop professional and personal relationships while building the community I love,” Olivas said. “I feel excitement and pride—I’m so proud to be on the front lines in representing the businesses of Hermiston.”
Olivas was chosen by the Chamber Board of Directors to fill the position vacated by Kim Rill, who left in February for a workforce development job.