Pullman Chamber Appoints Britnee Christen Executive Director

The Pullman Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors selected Britnee Christen as the new executive director of the Chamber, effective September 8. For Christen the new position is a little like coming home. She worked for the Pullman Chamber 10 years ago as Events Coordinator and Tourism Director and even came back to help the Chamber run the Lentil Festival in 2022.

Christen has worked for the last five years with the University of Idaho in several roles, including student experience coordinator in the College of Business and Economics and with the Department of Student Involvement as Assistant Director of Student Involvement, and events and marketing coordinator.

Chamber President Katie Van Wyngarden said the interview committee and the board were impressed with her leadership experience and her strong ties to the Chamber including her experience with tourism and events. “She has the skills and experience to promote our Pullman business members and keep our Chamber meeting the challenges ahead,” Van Wyngarden said. “We look forward to welcome, Britnee, back home.”

The new Chamber Executive Director replaces Pete Chittenden, who served as executive director for the past 13 months, before he was offered a position in a multi-state housing management company that is based in California. Chittenden will continue to live in Pullman and returns to the Chamber board and the position he held as vice president prior to accepting the Chamber appointment. He said he welcomes the opportunity to help Christen in any way she wants to ensure her success.

Christen has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Idaho School of Journalism and Mass Media and the College of Business and Economics. She holds master’s degrees in communication from Gonzaga and business administration from Southern New Hampshire University, and a bachelor’s from the University of Idaho.