Our Valley Our Future names Rachel Evey first official executive director

WENATCHEE — Our Valley Our Future has named Rachel Evey as its first executive director, marking a new chapter as the nonprofit heads into its second decade of community planning.

Evey will step into the role on October 1. Early next year, the organization will begin laying the groundwork for its third five-year Action Plan, which will guide projects and priorities for 2027–2031.

"I am excited to serve as Our Valley Our Future's executive director as the organization goes into its next Action Plan,” Evey said. “The collaborative style of our region has always inspired me. I look forward to working with the entire community to make our shared vision a reality."

Evey has spent the past eight years as executive director of the Wenatchee Valley College Foundation, leading fundraising efforts, overseeing assets, and working closely with students, staff, and community partners. Before that, she served as the college’s alumni relations coordinator.

She moved to Wenatchee in 2017 from her hometown of Bakersfield, drawn in part by OVOF’s collaborative approach to regional planning.

Her ties to the community run deep now. Evey is a member of the Wenatchee Rotary Club and NCW Estate Planning Council, and a graduate of the 16th class of Community Leadership Wenatchee Valley. She was recognized in 2019 as part of the Wenatchee Valley Business World “30 Under 35,” and is a lifetime member of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis.

“I’m a member of this community, so how could I not connect with the role? The OVOF action plan has items that directly impact our quality of life,” Evey told Ward Media. “To me, OVOF’s collaborative approach is precious. We live in a community where we have a shared vision of the future, and nonprofits, government, and business work together to make it a reality. As cheesy as it sounds, I love the phrase ‘Teamwork makes the dream work.’ We can accomplish more together, and no one should have to go it alone.”

In her new role, Evey will oversee the day-to-day operations of OVOF, work with community leaders and residents on Action Plan projects, and help keep the nonprofit’s mission on track. She will report directly to the OVOF board of directors.

“The OVOF Board sought a candidate with the strengths and skills to lead this innovative organization to continued success,” said Alma Chacon, OVOF board chair. “It was important the executive director be someone with a passion for collaborative work, good institutional knowledge of the region, and fundraising experience. We have found that in Rachel.”

Steve Maher, who has coordinated OVOF since 2017, will continue to assist as the group prepares for the upcoming Action Plan cycle.

Founded in 2015, Our Valley Our Future is a nonpartisan nonprofit that brings together residents, agencies, and organizations to shape long-range community vision and Action Plans. The work is aimed at filling gaps, tackling challenges, and seizing opportunities across North Central Washington.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media