Meet your SDDA Board Members & Staff
2018-2019 SDDA Board Members
SDDA Board President
Darren Gooch, Marketing & IT Manager
Sunset Empire Park & Recreation District
"Darren is a father of three really amazing grown children, and also a grandpa of two. He loves hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening & tending to his modest flock of chickens."
SDDA Board Vice President
Keith Chandler, General Manager
"Working at the Aquarium for 40 years, Keith is also apart of "Friends of Haystack Rock", "Marine Mammal Stranding Network", and so much more. When he does get free time, he likes to fish and he TRIES to golf."
SDDA Board Treasurer
Kristin Talamantez, NC Business Banker
If Kristin isn't at her desk at Columbia Bank, you can find her at her "second" desk at SDDA. As Treasurer, she takes care of the Books & financing. In her free time, you can usually find her enjoying a round of golf."
SDDA Board Secretary
Erik Marston, Business Owner
"Making pizza is an art, and Erik is definitely an expert! With his wife by his side, they run the very popular Pizza Harbor located in Downtown Seaside. During the off-season, don't be surprised to find out that this happy couple is enjoying the sunshine somewhere warm and tropical."
SDDA Board Member
Russ Vandenberg, General Manager
Seaside Civic & Convention Center
"Russ enjoys walking & hiking with his three dogs, traveling, live theatre and movies. Between him and his wife, they have 7 children with 16 grandchildren ad couple great-grandchildren for good measure!"
SDDA Board Member
Ben Schlattman, General Manager
"Wine connoisseur and paint enthusiast, Ben is always up for a grand adventure. When he isn't running the Seaside tasting room, he is busy at the vineyard helping the owners prepare the next batch of delicious fruit wines, like blueberry or rhubarb."
SDDA Board Member
Ruth Swenson, Guest Services Manager
"As the Guest Services Manager for Hillcrest Inn, Ruth is here for all guests, local and distant. After many years of traveling, she has found her home in Seaside enjoying family and friends. If you can’t find her at Hillcrest Inn, then just look for those converse dressed feet cruising town with grandchild in tow.
SDDA Board Member
Neil Dundas, Business Owner
"Car enthusiast, Beer expert and loyal Gulls fan. Neil is one of the business owners who has taken on the famous annual Seaside Car Shows. When hes not busy at the Restaurant, you can find him hanging out with his family at sporting events."
SDDA Board Member
Jeff TerHar, Business Owner
"Looking for Seaside pictures? Then Jeff is your guy! You can always count on Jeff to give you the most up-to-date info about the local High School's sporting events as well as the Oregon Ducks. He is a successful businessman as well as one of SDDA's founding Members!"
SDDA Staff
Office & Events Coordinator
Celeste Kenneally
"Brought to Oregon because of the Coast Guard, Celeste has enjoyed discovering all there is to the PNW and meeting so many wonderful people. A mother of 4 keeps her busy outside of work, but when she does have spare time, she enjoys a good book, binge watching Marvel or Harry Potter movies or finding a new adventure to experience."
Be a part of something great!
If you are currently an SDDA member and have a drive to a part of something great, then consider joining the SDDA Board!
Board members are elected by a majority vote from other SDDA members and serve a 3-year term. We have monthly board meetings, multiple committees for you to be a part of as well as the opportunity to voice your thoughts and ideas to help increase the viability of Downtown Seaside.
To be considered, you must be a current SDDA Member, your business located within Downtown core area (we do have some spots available for businesses located outside the core; for more details please reach out to us), and the time to dedicate yourself towards our organization.
Elections will begin in September 2019 where ballots will be mailed out to members, so please submit your application before August 30th, 2019