Kristen Wells, a Courtyard by Marriott employee and seven‑year LTAC member, spoke to the council Dec. 2 about her tourism‑and‑hospitality background and her interest in promoting Federal Way as a destination. Wells said her career in travel and tourism and experience with hotel accounts help her contribute to LTAC discussions.

Council members praised Wells’ questions and contributions to the committee. The council then turned to Carmelo Lopez, a candidate to fill the LTAC seat that had been held by Travis Ochoa of the Hilton. Lopez could not attend the special meeting because of an emergency.

Council members and staff discussed whether the council could appoint Lopez without the usual interview. Several council members said the Hilton seat is a commercial seat and continuity matters, so appointing the new hotel representative quickly would help LTAC operations. Other members said the city’s standard policy is to interview applicants before appointment.

The chamber considered appointing Lopez for a short interim term (through March) with a follow‑up interview later, and city attorney staff said council can set a shortened term if it wishes. Council members directed staff to track schedules and to bring Lopez in for an interview in February or March while allowing LTAC to function in the interim.

What’s next: Staff will coordinate interviews and place any formal appointment on the subsequent regular meeting agenda; no formal appointment was taken at the special session.