Hylton hired as new Tourism Director
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Rebecca Hylton
Former Haines resident Rebecca Hylton, 54, was hired as the borough's new Tourism Director, a position left vacant by Steven Auch last fall.
Hylton has a long background in tourism and has worked in Skagway since moving from Haines in 2007. She worked in various roles for White Pass and Yukon Railroad between 2007 to 2018, starting out as a dock worker and ending her career with the company working in marketing and sales.
"I was the liaison between the cruise ships, the people that sold tours on board, and White Pass," Hylton said.
Hylton got her start in Haines as a river guide working for Bart Henderson's Chilkat Guides. She later moved into a management position. After her job at White Pass, she became the marketing and tour director for Skagway Brewing Company.
Haines Borough Manager Annette Kreitzer said Hylton's references all said she's a "perfect fit for Haines."
"They noted her energy, enthusiasm and follow through in pursuing initiatives," Kreitzer said. "She already has a strong network of contacts in the tourism industry. She understands the challenges of balancing cruise ship traffic with independent travelers while maintaining quality of life for Haines residents. I look forward to working with her and helping her step into this role.
Hylton said becoming Haines' Tourism Director is her "dream job."
"I feel like, in sales and marketing, if you can portray the entity you're working for in a genuine manner and you have that passion for it and you feel good about what you're selling, it's not work," Hylton said. "For me this is the pinnacle of my career. I'm so excited to be able to focus on this one thing. I couldn't be happier."
She also serves as a member of the Skagway Borough Assembly, a seat she'll leave vacant after her move to Haines. Although her start date begins April 1, she plans to arrive in Haines in March with her son, Emmett, who will attend Haines Elementary School as a fourth grader.
