Stephanie Button Joins HDKP as Executive Director

Stephanie Button, former board member at the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership (HDKP), has been hired as the organization’s Executive Director.

Stephanie graduated with a degree in Anthropology from Western Washington University, where she developed her interdisciplinary approach to creating opportunities for exchanges and dialogue with the purpose of building a culture of better understanding. Stephanie comes to HDKP with a decade of nonprofit experience, most recently as the Administrator at the East Benton County Historical Society & Museum (EBCHS). 

While she is both a Kennewick native and Downtown Kennewick resident, working at EBCHS opened her eyes to the depth and excitement of Kennewick’s history. “Kennewick history is extraordinary!” says Stephanie. “There are strong parallels between the women and men who built Kennewick over 100 years ago and the entrepreneurs and change-makers who are continuing that tradition of growth today. I am excited to bring my passion and knowledge of our community’s history to my work.” 

As an HDKP board member, Stephanie worked on many projects and events to further HDKP’s mission, ranging from gathering data for Farmers Market to getting ready for the holidays. As Executive Director, she has affirmed those goals, “I will be a dedicated advocate for Downtown Kennewick and work with all our partners and members to develop a downtown that fosters entrepreneurs, utilizes historic preservation and creative industry, and emphasizes placemaking as an integrated foundation for economic development.”

"We're excited to have Stephanie on board with HDKP," said Jay Freeman, Board President for HDKP.  “She has a real passion for downtown Kennewick and the skill set to help grow our organization. Between her passion and skill set, and an engaged board, we see good things happening for Downtown Kennewick."

The Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership is a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation aspiring to reflect our diverse community, provide an inclusive and vibrant downtown destination, encourage economic and creative opportunities, and preserve our rich history to support a dynamic future. You'll find us on the east side of the Tri-Cities area in Kennewick, WA near the beautiful Columbia River.