Robert Hansen Named Executive Director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance

Muriel Kenyon, President of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance Reports:

The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance (WWVWA) has selected Robert Hansen as its new executive director. Hansen brings 38 years strategic planning, business management, and corporate finance expertise to the position. He will join the organization August 5.

As executive director, Hansen will lead a dynamic, membership-driven organization charged with furthering awareness and regard for Walla Walla Valley’s vineyards and wineries. Working alongside the Board, Hansen will lead the WWVWA’s strategic development, financial management, membership recruitment and community outreach efforts.

Hansen moved to Walla Walla from Portland, Ore. in November 2018. A highly
respected Portland business and community leader, he held financial management
positions with Ricoh USA/IKON Office Solutions and later with Brown & Brown
Insurance NW. Prior to that, he worked in public accounting. Throughout his career
in Portland, Hansen also held numerous nonprofit leadership positions, including 17
years on the board of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation where he served as
president for two years.

“Robert’s nearly four decades of business and nonprofit experience made him the
clear choice for this position,” said Kenyon, WWVWA Board President.
“He leads with purpose and knows how to bring groups together by focusing on
common goals and long-term results.”

“Walla Walla is a world-class wine region with an incredible group of dedicated
growers, winemakers and business leaders,” said Hansen. “The wines are legendary,
the vineyards exceptional, the scenery unforgettable and the accompanying
hospitality amenities vibrant and dynamic. This is an exciting time to be in Walla
Walla, and I look forward to continuing to bring the work of our winemakers and
growers to the forefront of the wine world.”

Hansen and his wife Janie live in Walla Walla.