This is the first in a series of periodic columns, written under the auspices of the House Committee, that will highlight staff members whose essential contributions keep Club operations running seamlessly. Without their commitment to our various activities, the Club would not be the very enjoyable part of island life that it is.  

Kindra Nelson, born in Seattle but a Whidbey resident since the age of three, is currently the Club’s Events Manager. Currently? Yes, though Kindra has held multiple positions during the 21 years she has been supporting our membership. 

Her professional Club life began with a baptism by fire when she was asked on her first night many years ago – a Friday night no less – to tend bar. She had actually been introduced to the Club as a young girl, as her grandparents were the 60th members of the then-new Useless Bay Golf Club. Kindra grew up swimming in the pool, playing golf, eating in the restaurant, and enjoying many benefits of her grandparents’ membership.  

As an adult, Kindra has held a variety of staff positions, all involving food and beverage in one form or another – from overseeing the dining room to managing the lounge, hiring staff, and maintaining the large, complex food and beverage inventory. 

To expand the Club’s outreach to the larger Whidbey community while helping wherever there’s a need or a shortage of personnel, Kindra recently decided to focus on expanding our events calendar. This full-time and demanding activity includes everything from marketing to planning and overseeing the events themselves. And just as one event ends, Kindra begins the process all over again when a new function is added to the schedule. 

Kindra has a blended family of four children, all of whom have continued her tradition of hospitality. Her son Jacob and daughter Kyah served in the lounge and restaurant while attending high school and college, and her stepchildren Bailey and Keegan worked in the kitchen and hosted when they were in college. 

When she’s not working at the Club, Kindra enjoys painting abstracts in acrylics and enthusiastically cheering on the Seahawks.  

Asked if she has any thoughts of retiring, Kindra said, “Not likely unless I win the lottery.”  But she said it with a chuckle.