If you’ve spent any time in Pullman, you know the vibe. It’s a town where the line between Washington State University and the local community doesn’t just blur—it basically disappears. It’s the kind of place where a "Go Cougs" is a standard greeting at the grocery store. Recently, though, one name has been popping up more than most in those local circles: Pete Chittenden.
He isn't just another name on a donor list. Pete Chittenden is a Washington State University graduate who recently took the reins as the Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce.
Honestly, the timing couldn't be more critical. Pullman is in a weird spot, balancing its identity as a college town with the need to be a year-round economic powerhouse. Pete is the guy currently tasked with making that happen.
The Journey from WSU Student to Local Leader
Pete isn't new to the Palouse. He’s what people call a "second-generation Coug." His daughter is currently attending WSU, carrying on a family tradition that runs pretty deep. That connection matters. In a town like Pullman, being a "local" is about more than an address; it’s about understanding the specific rhythm of a city that shrinks and grows by 20,000 people depending on the academic calendar.
Before he was leading the Chamber, Pete spent nearly two decades in the property management world. Specifically, he was the Managing Owner and COO of DABCO Property Management. If you’ve ever looked for an apartment in Pullman, you’ve seen the DABCO signs.
Managing thousands of units in a university town is a trial by fire. You deal with everything: city zoning, student needs, local legislation, and the physical growth of the university itself. It’s probably the best training ground imaginable for someone who now has to lobby for the entire business community.
🔗 Read more: Price of Tesla Stock Today: Why Everyone is Watching January 28
A Resume Built on Community Service
People sometimes think these "Executive Director" roles are just about ribbon cuttings and networking lunches. With Pete, it looks a bit different. He’s spent years doing the unglamorous work that keeps a small town running.
- Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation: He served as Vice President here, helping drive projects like the Family Medicine Residency Program.
- United Way of Whitman County: He held a VP role here too.
- Pullman Chamber Board: He didn't just walk into the top job; he volunteered on the government affairs committee for four years first.
It’s a lot. Most people would burn out doing half that while running a major company, but he seems to lean into it.
Why Pete Chittenden at WSU Matters Right Now
The relationship between a major land-grant university like WSU and its host city is always a little tense. There’s the "town and gown" divide. The university brings in billions—seriously, WSU generates about $46 billion in annual state revenue—but local small businesses often feel the squeeze of rising costs and seasonal shifts.
Pete’s big goal? He wants the city, the university, and local businesses to work "in tandem."
That’s a buzzword, sure. But for Pete, it means something specific. It means making sure that when WSU grows, the coffee shop on Main Street doesn't get left behind. It means leveraging that massive alumni network (there are over 281,000 WSU alumni out there) to keep Pullman's economy from stalling during the summer months.
💡 You might also like: GA 30084 from Georgia Ports Authority: The Truth Behind the Zip Code
The DABCO Connection and Professional Shift
In June 2025, things shifted. DABCO went through a reorganization, and Pete, along with his colleague Tim Braun, moved over to the Chamber. It was a significant "get" for the city. Having someone who knows the private sector's pain points—taxes, labor shortages, infrastructure—leading the Chamber of Commerce is a strategic win.
He’s replacing Marie Dymkoski, who led the Chamber for 16 years. Those are massive shoes to fill. Marie was a staple of the community. Pete isn't trying to be Marie; he’s bringing a more business-centric, "let's grow this thing" energy to the office.
What This Means for the Palouse Economy
When we talk about Pete Chittenden and Washington State University, we're really talking about the future of the Palouse. The region is changing. Between the growth of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) and WSU’s expanding research expenditures (upwards of $400 million annually), Pullman is no longer just a quiet outpost in the wheat fields.
Pete’s focus is on "business retention and growth." In plain English: he wants to make sure people who graduate from WSU actually stay here and start businesses instead of moving to Seattle or Boise.
Key Focus Areas for the Near Future:
- Downtown Revitalization: Working with the Downtown Pullman Association to make the city center more than just a place for students to grab a beer.
- Legislative Advocacy: Using his background in government affairs to make sure Pullman’s voice is heard in Olympia.
- WSU Synergy: Creating more formal pipelines between university innovation and local startups.
It’s a tall order. Pullman is a place of tradition, and tradition can sometimes be a polite word for "stubborn." But Pete’s track record—winning AHMA Managing Agent of the Year multiple times—suggests he’s good at the logistics of people and property.
📖 Related: Jerry Jones 19.2 Billion Net Worth: Why Everyone is Getting the Math Wrong
Beyond the Suit: The Personal Side
You can’t really understand someone’s impact on a town like this without looking at what they do on the weekends. Pete is an outdoorsman. He spends time hiking and camping with his wife, Cindy, and their son. You’ll see him at WSU games, not just as a dignitary, but as a fan.
That "second-generation Coug" pride isn't a marketing gimmick. It's the reason he stayed in Pullman after DABCO reorganized instead of taking a corporate job in a bigger city. He's invested in the dirt here.
Actionable Insights for Local Business Owners
If you're a business owner in the Pullman area or a WSU alum looking to re-engage with the community, there are a few things you can do to align with this new direction the Chamber is taking under Pete's leadership:
Join the Conversation Early
Don't wait for a problem to arise to contact the Chamber. Pete’s background in government affairs means the Chamber is becoming more proactive. Get on their mailing list and show up to the weekly programs (like the ones held at the Kiwanis Club).
Leverage the WSU Alumni Connection
With Pete’s emphasis on the "Cougar family," now is the time for businesses to create specific offerings for alumni. Whether it's homecoming specials or career mentoring for current students, the "tandem" growth model relies on these connections.
Stay Informed on Infrastructure
With his background in property management, expect the Chamber to be very vocal about housing and city planning. If you have concerns about how Pullman is growing, these next two years are the time to speak up.
Pete Chittenden's move from DABCO to the Chamber marks a new chapter for Pullman. It’s a shift toward a more aggressive, business-forward approach that still respects the deep roots of Washington State University. For a town that lives and breathes Crimson and Gray, having a leader who understands both the balance sheet and the fight song is exactly what the doctor ordered.