Aliza McHugh
Email: aliza@columbiagorgetourismalliance.orgOrganization: Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance (CGTA)
Community: Columbia River Gorge Region
Serves: Wasco, Klickitat, Skamania, Clark, Multnomah
Meet Aliza McHugh (she/her/hers):
Aliza received her BA/BS in Geography and Environmental Studies from UC Berkeley, specializing in justice and sustainability along with a sustained interest in the prison system. Aliza has worked in multiple non-profits relating to food systems, environmental sustainability, youth and economic development, as well as higher education. She was excited to bring her community development work to the Columbia River Gorge and the tourism sector in particular. Having grown up in Los Angeles, this was Aliza’s first time living anywhere other than a major urban area and she was very excited about the changing seasons! In her free time Aliza enjoys cooking, traveling–finding the best eats and hidden gems, cooking and reading.
Community and Organization:
The Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance (CGTA) is a non-profit organization created to optimize the visitor economy to enhance local communities and protect the region between the Sandy River and the Deschutes, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, including the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The CGTA is governed by a volunteer board, and is a partnership-based network of volunteers. The organization mainly functions as a convener and supporter of projects that help to address their 15-year vision.
Project:
The RARE AmeriCorps Member, Aliza McHugh, served with the CGTA as the Project Manager, advancing its ability to execute projects addressing tourism management challenges and seizing opportunities to connect Gorge communities. Aliza worked with the Network Director, the board, the network of active partners, and with project teams developing a more robust, engaged, collaborative, and communicative network. She played a critical role in leading key projects that supported community resilience including business recovery, increasing visibility, and tracking metrics for local hotels, restaurants, and points of interest. She also led the East Gorge Food Trail and the Lewis and Clark Trail efforts supporting agritourism and cultural heritage in the Gorge communities.