Katie Willet

Katie Willet is a Business Advisor with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), based in Cle Elum and serving clients throughout Kittitas County. Raised in a rural community, Katie developed a strong work ethic from an early age through her experience of showing and training horses. From daily feeding and stall cleaning to preparing for competitive events, she learned the value of discipline, time management, and personal accountability—skills that became the foundation for her career in business management. Her background also allows her to easily connect with the agricultural and western heritage of communities throughout Kittitas County.

Katie began her professional career in customer service before spending many years as the sole administrative employee in the construction industry. In that role, she managed a wide range of responsibilities including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, bookkeeping, human resources, employee onboarding, state and federal compliance, licensing, insurance audits, and customer and vendor relations. With her ability to develop efficient systems and prioritize high-stakes tasks, she then took on additional responsibilities as Assistant Project Manager, providing support with project coordination, overseeing daily field reports, managing communications, project closeouts, and managing software platforms. This experience has given her first-hand insight into the challenges small business owners face every day.

Katie brings this practical, real-world knowledge to her advising work. She is a commissioned Notary Public and is proficient in both QuickBooks Online and Desktop, providing clients with support in financial tracking, business organization, and workflow improvement.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys fishing, gardening, and exploring with her husband and two daughters.