After seven years with the Kirkland Chamber and three years with the Kirkland Downtown Association, Executive Director Bill Vadino will be leaving these positions at the end of the year to become the “show director” for the Kirkland Concours d’Elegance and other Eastside consulting assignments to be announced soon.

“While in Kirkland I have had four important tasks, the Chamber, KDA, Concours and friends and family,” said Vadino in an email. “I will continue to do two of those jobs and will have another exciting opportunity as well. As many of my friends are in Kirkland, I will still be around. The last 10 years have been a delight and thanks to everyone for their support.”

The annual Kirkland Concours d’Elegance event that has drawn thousands of car enthusiasts to Carillon Point’s waterfront over the past nine years announced in September its move to Tacoma.  The all-volunteer Concours board agreed to legally transfer ownership to the non-profit LeMay–America’s Car Museum (ACM) in Tacoma.

Val Gurin, Chamber president, stated, “We are grateful to Bill for his selfless service and dedication on behalf of both organizations. I am excited for him and his future endeavors. As the Board, we will do the necessary due diligence to find the right candidate to lead the Chamber and KDA in fulfilling their missions.”