Explore Whitefish appoints Zak Anderson as new director

Explore Whitefish appointed Zak Anderson as its new executive director. A long-time local with a wide-ranging background in hospitality, marketing and civic service, Anderson steps into the role with a vision grounded in stewardship, sustainability and small business support.  

Anderson will transition into the role after serving as membership director for Explore Whitefish. A new membership director will be hired to fill the vacant position with this transition.  

Anderson will replace current director Julie Mullins, whose leadership has helped guide the organization past a period of rapid residential growth, peak visitation after the pandemic, and rising tensions around tourism’s impact on community life.  

Mullins will work closely with Anderson to ensure a smooth leadership transition prior to returning to her background in large-scale meetings, conventions and project management.  

“Julie’s work was defined by her unwavering commitment to balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of Whitefish’s unique character,” said Mariah Joos, chair of the Explore Whitefish Board of Directors. “Her steady leadership during a dynamic time helped reinforce our commitment to sustainability and community support.” 

When Mullins began as director in 2023, Explore Whitefish relaunched the “Be a Friend of The Fish” campaign to promote visitor stewardship, grew grant and community sustainability programs, and helped direct nearly $400,000 to local affordable housing efforts through the Community Sustainability Fund and partnership with Housing Whitefish.  

“Our goal has always been to ensure that tourism enhances our community rather than disrupts it,” said Mullins. “By focusing on sustainable practices and supporting essential services like affordable housing, we've worked to maintain the quality of life that makes Whitefish special.” 

A 2001 University of Montana graduate in business administration, Anderson grew up in Whitefish and brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, recreation, and leadership, with roles at Whitefish Lake Golf Club, Abruzzo, and Green Valley Ranch near Glacier National Park. He also worked as a ski coach for ten years with the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation at Whitefish Mountain Resort. 

“Leading Explore Whitefish will be way more than just a job for me—it’s about representing my hometown and being a good steward of an organization that’s been supporting small businesses and community partners for 19 years,” said Anderson. “Explore Whitefish has long been at the heart of responsible tourism, and I’m proud to carry that mission forward.” 

Anderson’s career also includes active involvement in civic life, serving on the Whitefish Planning Board and as a member of the Whitefish City Manager Hiring Committee. He is currently President of Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center, a nonprofit dedicated to backcountry safety in Northwest Montana. 

Anderson was recently appointed to the Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Committee, whose purpose is to promote sustainable, community-based tourism development that benefits community members, employees, and visitors. The recent residential survey conducted shows that a majority of community members feel the benefits of tourism outweigh the negative issues, a significant shift from the same study a year earlier.  

“Zak brings such a rich variety of experience to this job,” said Joos. “His experience with member businesses and time mentoring with Julie provides the perfect framework for Explore Whitefish to continue our mission of supporting and building the visitor economy while keeping the needs of our community top of mind.” 

Looking forward, Anderson says he’s excited to expand the organization’s role in building additional community partnerships. 

“From helping support events like the Whitefish Winter Carnival or the lights at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course for Glacier Nordic, to our longstanding support of nonprofits like the Whitefish Legacy Partners, Flathead Area Mountain Bikers, and the Whitefish Skatepark—this organization has played a vital role in elevating the things that make Whitefish exceptional,” Anderson said. “That spirit of collaboration is the core of what we do, and I want to continue to bring our community together to support locally owned, locally grown small businesses.” 

For more information, visit www.explorewhitefish.com.