YAKIMA, WA – Yakima Valley Tourism has added Adam Stewart to the position of Communications & Travel Trade Manager and Michael Franson is the new Sports Development Manager for the Yakima Valley Sports Commission.

Adam Stewart will work with travel media and attend industry trade shows to further elevate Yakima and the Yakima Valley as a place to visit, do business and live. Stewart grew up in Yakima and has a range of professional experience in various travel-related fields including international education, destination marketing, hospitality and tourism. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Arts in Tourism Management from the University of Westminster in London, England and has traveled to more than 20 countries.

Michael Franson will be working with sporting organizations, local hospitality community and venues to bring sports tournaments and events to the Yakima Valley. Franson most recently worked for Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and was previously employed at the University of Washington. Prior to working in education, he was the supervisor of the Seattle Mariners Team Store at T-Mobile Park. Franson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Western Washington University and a Master of Arts in Sport and Athletic Administration from Gonzaga University.