Thursday, October 1, 2026
Less than three months after accepting the position, Experience Olympia & Beyond CEO Michael Day is no longer working for the nonprofit organization.
The change was announced in a statement by Experience Olympia & Beyond Board President Sue Falash on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
“This decision was made after thoughtful consideration and careful recognition that the role was not the right fit for either Michael or Experience Olympia & Beyond. We are grateful for Michael’s contributions and wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” Falash said.
“During the transition, the organization is committed to ensuring continuity and does not anticipate any disruption to day-to-day operations or ongoing initiatives.”
The nonprofit serves as the official marketing organization for Thurston County and surrounding communities.
“Experience Olympia & Beyond remains dedicated to its mission of promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the visitor experience in Thurston County,” Flash said.
“Plans for new leadership are already underway. SearchWide Global will conduct the national search, and additional information will be shared in the coming weeks.”
Day, who announced that he accepted the position on his Facebook page on June 9, started his job with Experience Olympia & Beyond in early July. He was promoting things to do in Thurston County, as late as Aug. 16 on his Facebook page.
His final day on the job was Monday, Aug. 25, said Falash in a brief phone interview on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Day, an Edmonds native who graduated from the University of Washington, has a deep background in the land and cruise-based hospitality sector. He has held jobs as a cruise director and vice president of entertainment for three luxury cruise lines.
Prior to joining Experience Olympia & Beyond, he was the corporate sales manager for North America at Crystal Cruises, The JOLT News reported in June. He is also the co-owner, along with his wife, of dog care services business Camp Bow Wow in Reno, Nevada.
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TheVirtualOne
After reading this article, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Hmmm…co-owner of Camp Bow Wow. I guess I should just bark. Ruff! Ruff!
And the envelope please…drum roll…and the winner is Michael Day! Please come down from the audience and accept your prize! Yes, you have been chosen to be the next CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond! Congratulations!
Oops, just kidding! Next!
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
TheVirtualOne
P.S. This has got to be one of the strangest, poorly written, and useless pieces in the JOLT since I began reading it a year ago.
P.S.S. Why are you putting a photo of this guy in the article? He’s no longer in the job! Or at you just helping him find his next job? Now that I know what he looks like, I will make sure to offer him a job when I see him in the dairy section at the grocery store.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
TheVirtualOne
P.S.S.S. And who is funding this non-profit? Whoever is, should think about firing Board President Sue Falash…or is it Flash. Last name is spelled two different ways.
P.S.S.S.S. Advice to President Flash - convince the county and city fathers to clean up the homeless problem, enforce the laws, and make the area safer. This area has been thrown to the dogs. Graffiti everywhere, crime, drugs, bums, etc. Anything beyond that is a waste of time and resources.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
OlyBlues
TheVirtualOne on fire and on point with their comments. How was this guy qualified to be CEO first of all? And second, if you want people to "experience Olympia" clean up the filth! No one wants to experience drug addict transients begging, explosions, assaults, overdoses, and trash all over downtown. Look no further than the Jungle and Percival Creek to see the city of Olympia's commitment to a clean and safe community. Experience Olympia would be advised to refocus efforts on advocating the city to clean up the disgusting mess they allow instead of putting on this dishonest advertising campaign about how wonderful of a place Olympia is to visit.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
TheVirtualOne
President Flash - Here is a new advertising campaign slogan for your non-profit:
“OLYMPIA - WELCOME TO THE HOOD!”
Thursday, August 28, 2025 Report this
BettyVerdammt
"What do you mean Olympia cannot harbor cruise ships?"
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Report this