PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Kara Raftery (Zupke) | Communications & HR Manager
City of Leavenworth
509.548.5275 ext. 136 | media@col.dev.3sherpas.com
LEAVENWORTH, WA – April 27, 2026 – The City of Leavenworth is pleased to announce the addition of Steven Rubinstein to the City’s team as the Recreation & Tourism Manager. This new role will oversee a diverse portfolio that includes the City’s outdoor pool operations, festival and event permitting, recreation issues, and coordinating the feasibility, design, and construction of a new Upper Valley Community Center with a public library, indoor pool, and multi-use spaces.
“We are thrilled to have Steven join our team,” said City Administrator Matthew ‘Selby’. “His experience in community outreach, recreation, and tourism initiatives will be invaluable as we balance the needs of our community.”
A primary focus for Rubinstein will be serving as the project lead for a community initiative and major capital effort for the Upper Valley Community Center, which includes:
- The establishment of a new location for the Leavenworth branch of NCW Libraries.
- The planning and construction of a new indoor pool.
- The development of multi-purpose spaces.
In addition to this major capital project, the Recreation & Tourism Manager will serve as the City’s liaison to community partners, including the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, the Autumn Leaf Festival Association, the Upper Valley Parks and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) Board, river recreation stakeholders, and others.
Before joining the City of Leavenworth, Rubinstein studied Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire. He launched his career as an Operations and Special Events Intern at Galena Lodge in Ketchum, Idaho, and went on to serve in a variety of recreation industry roles in the greater Lake Tahoe area. Since arriving in the Upper Valley, he has served as the Assistant Operations Manager at Leavenworth Adventure Park and is a founding member of the local nonprofit Cascade Valley Commons.
“This role really stood out to me because it touches on so many important parts of community life in Leavenworth. It’s a chance to help with big, future-focused projects while also supporting the things people enjoy right now,” said Rubinstein. “I’m excited to get started and work alongside the city and community partners on what comes next.”
Along with several city partners and community organizations, Rubinstein will be in attendance at the City’s upcoming Community Engagement Night on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Leavenworth Festhalle.
Follow the progress of the Upper Valley Community Center, along with other city projects, by visiting the Project Tracker page on the City’s website at col.dev.3sherpas.com/projects/.
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