Downtown Camas Association’s events manager named organization’s next executive directorSubscriber Exclusive

To Leah Nichelson, downtown Camas was once a place people passed through, not a destination. She remembers being dropped off at the Liberty Theatre as a child to see a movie, then heading home past boarded-up storefronts and mostly empty sidewalks.

Now, she’s about to take over leadership of a downtown that’s nearly full, bustling and considered a safe and attractive hangout for people of all ages.

“I remember when so many windows were boarded up and my parents would pick me up from a movie and drive straight home. We didn’t linger,” she said. “Now, groups of people get dropped off, or come on their own, and spend the whole afternoon here because there’s so much to do and it feels safe. Seeing that transformation has been incredible.”

Nichelson, the Downtown Camas Association’s events manager since 2021, has been named the next executive director of the nonprofit organization. She will replace longtime leader Carrie Schulstad, effective Dec. 1.

“I’m unbelievably honored to be chosen to lead this organization,” Nichelson said.

Nichelson grew up in Washougal and has lived in Camas since 2004. Before joining the Downtown Camas Association, she worked as a chef for several restaurants, including The Washougal Times. She has managed the Camas Farmers Market since 2019.

“I hired Leah with the hopes she would love this work and grow to a place where she’d be ready to take on this leadership role,” Schulstad said. “She’s ready. It’s time to pass the baton. Leah knows our town, our businesses, our board, our mission, our partners, and she has the heart for Main Street. I can step away knowing the DCA and downtown are sustainable, strong and ready for great things.”

Schulstad opened The Uncommon Gift in downtown Camas in 2004 and joined the city’s Downtown Vision Coalition committee the following year. She helped found the Downtown Camas Association, which gained nonprofit status in December 2009. She joined its board as vice president in January 2010 and became executive director in January 2014.

During Schulstad’s tenure, downtown Camas transformed from a business district with numerous vacant storefronts into a bustling destination with a commercial vacancy rate of 2 percent. She helped recruit new retailers and restaurants, oversaw facade improvement grants and public art projects, expanded year-round events and shopping promotions, and guided the association’s participation in the Washington State Main Street Program. The work with Main Street brought additional investment to the local economy and earned statewide recognition, including an Outstanding Special Project Award for the Camas Culture Art Block.

“Carrie has had a massive impact on Camas,” Nichelson said. “She leads with a people-first mindset and sees the Downtown Camas Association as a forever project — something that will keep making downtown the best it can be for generations. That vision has really shaped the DCA, and it’s something I want to continue.”

Schulstad plans to remain active downtown, volunteering at events or simply enjoying them. She said she will continue serving on the Camas Farmers Market board of directors and managing grants for the community advisory group overseeing the Georgia-Pacific mill cleanup. After taking some time off, she hopes to begin “a new work chapter helping to serve our community.”

“It has been such a joy to do this work,” Schulstad said. “I feel incredibly privileged to have helped bring more energy, art, economic development and progress to the town I love. I’m so grateful to have been part of revitalizing downtown Camas.”