Tulip Festival Board of Directors announces new Executive Director

Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and background in both marketing and project management, having worked with large retail brands like Nordstrom and Zulily.

“Nicole’s resume and marketing expertise is impressive,” said incoming Board President Rachael Woods. “What really impressed the committee was her growth mindset and passion for innovation. We’ve been fortunate to have steadfast leadership for 20 years, so the operations and workflow for the festival are dialed in. We knew we needed a communicator and marketing expert in this next chapter, to elevate our reach with tulip fans and our community members.”

Roozen grew up on the Kitsap Peninsula and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Washington. She spent most of her career in the greater Seattle area but now calls Skagit Valley home, where she lives with her tulip farming husband and two young children. Over the last 10 years, Roozen had the unique opportunity of helping her in-laws at RoozenGaarde during previous festivals.

“I have such a deep appreciation for the farming community, especially the tulip and bulb industry. I am thrilled to join the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival,” said Roozen. “The Tulip Festival is so unique in that it brings people from all over the world to the Skagit Valley, showcasing our beautiful community and agriculture. I’m thankful for this incredible opportunity to contribute to the festival’s continued success and look forward to showing what is so special about the Skagit Valley.”

Each Tulip Festival requires approximately two years of planning by festival staff. Roozen steps into the late stages of planning for the 2024 Tulip Festival, with the first event – the 2024 Poster Unveiling – taking place November 15 at Skagit Acres in Mount Vernon.