Celebrating Leadership: Steph Rees Named a 2026 SWAN Woman of the Year

Leadership is not simply measured by a title. We see it in the people we encourage, the opportunities we create, and the communities we help strengthen.

That is why the Burlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate President and CEO Steph Rees. The Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network named Steph one of four recipients of its 2026 Woman of the Year Awards.

The annual SWAN awards honor women who make a meaningful difference across Skagit County. They recognize leadership, professional achievement, mentorship, and community involvement.

For those who work alongside Steph, this honor reflects something we have seen for years.

A Journey Built on Belief in the Chamber

Steph’s relationship with the Burlington Chamber began long before she became President and CEO.

She first became involved as a Chamber member in 2012. Her belief in the Chamber’s mission later led her to join the staff in 2016.

Steph started in an administrative and front-desk role. From there, she took on greater responsibility and eventually became Director of Operations.

In 2021, she applied for the President and CEO position. After a competitive selection process, the Chamber chose her to lead the organization.

Since then, both the Chamber and its role in the community have continued to grow.

Growing an Organization and Its Impact

Under Steph’s leadership, the Burlington Chamber adopted its first comprehensive three-to-five-year strategic plan in decades.

The Chamber also increased organizational assets by more than 80%. It established the Burlington Chamber Foundation and expanded its ability to support businesses and the community.

The Foundation has created new opportunities in workforce development, education, professional development, and community assistance.

That support became especially visible after recent flooding. The Burlington Chamber Foundation helped distribute approximately $53,000 in grants to affected Burlington businesses.

Berry Dairy Days has also continued to grow. As Burlington’s largest and longest-running festival, it brings tens of thousands of visitors to the community each year.

The festival also celebrates the history, businesses, organizations, and people that make Burlington special.

But numbers tell only part of the story.

Connecting Commerce to Community

Steph believes a strong economy and a strong community must grow together.

She has worked to strengthen relationships among businesses, nonprofits, schools, public agencies, elected leaders, and community partners.

She has also expanded the Chamber’s role as both a business advocate and a community connector.

That philosophy continues to shape what comes next.

Workforce development and youth engagement are priorities in the Chamber’s strategic plan. The Burlington Chamber Foundation will help expand those efforts.

The goal is to help young people explore the many paths available after high school. Those paths may include higher education, skilled trades, military service, entrepreneurship, and other careers.

Steph has also made opportunities for women an important part of her work.

She encourages women to lead with confidence. She also promotes collaboration instead of competition.

Most recently, the Chamber partnered with Women in Networking Skagit to grow a morning networking group. The group focuses on professional growth, meaningful connections, and personal support.

Leadership That Opens Doors for Others

Communications and Digital Content Coordinator Nichole Long served as the official nominator for the SWAN award. The nomination also reflected the experiences and perspectives of the entire Burlington Chamber staff.

“Steph’s impact is felt far beyond the walls of the Chamber,” Long said. “Our team sees firsthand how deeply she cares about this community and the people she serves.”

Long added that Steph leads with resilience, confidence, and compassion. She also creates opportunities for businesses, women, young people, and community members throughout Skagit County.

Steph sees the recognition as a reflection of the people around her.

“This recognition may have my name on it, but it reflects the trust, encouragement, and shared work of our Chamber team, board, members, community partners, family, and friends,” Rees said.

She added that she accepts the honor with gratitude and a continued commitment to creating opportunities for others.

Continuing to Grow

Steph continues to invest in her own professional development.

She graduated from the Western Association of Chamber Executives Academy and Leadership Skagit in 2021.

Most recently, she earned the IOM designation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management.

She also received the national Regent Scholarship, which recognizes leadership, professional involvement, and community service.

Her next professional goal is to pursue the Certified Chamber Executive designation through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Her journey shows that leadership continues to evolve.

Join Us in Celebrating Steph

SWAN will honor Steph and the other 2026 recipients at its Annual Woman of the Year Award Ceremony and Banquet.

The celebration will take place Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Swinomish Casino & Lodge.

Community members, Chamber members, partners, family, and friends can join us in celebrating these remarkable women.

Tickets are available now.

The Burlington Chamber is proud to celebrate Steph and this well-deserved recognition.

More importantly, we are grateful for what this award represents: leadership that brings people together, opens doors for others, and strengthens our community.