Linda Elkin

Hometown: Arlington, VA
Place of Residence: South Hill
Occupation: Regional President, U.S. Bank

Linda Elkin grew up across the country, but she’s always had family ties to Spokane. Her grandparents lived and worked here and today many of her family members are still involved in the local business community. She was working in Seattle and decided to move to the Inland Northwest very soon thereafter, in search of a balanced family life and the opportunity to continue her professional advancement.

“I love it,” said Elkin. “It feels like the right sized community for me and my family. It’s a low stress environment that offers meaningful work, without the rat race of other places.”

Elkin serves on several boards and is involved professionally with many different organizations. As Regional President at U.S. Bank, she’s happy her role allows her to be part of many aspects of the community. “From a business perspective, there’s an impressive group of leaders in Spokane. It’s a welcome influx of talent and leadership.”

As hard as she works, Elkin also finds time for fun. “There is such a variety of activities in Spokane – sports, arts, different wineries, First Friday – find a niche and you’ll find the community is very welcoming.”

And, she said, don’t miss the parks. “Spokane has phenomenal parks. Manito was designed by the same brothers that designed Central Park in New York, and is one of the best places in our city.”

Elkin has a son and a daughter who are both in high school. Both have attended Spokane public schools since Kindergarten. “Spokane offers an amazing school system, world-class healthcare, great neighborhoods with diverse home styles, all the major shopping you could want, but no traffic. That to me is just huge.”

One weekend a year, all traffic is blocked from downtown, and more than 40 city blocks are turned into basketball courts. “Hoopfest is my favorite weekend of the year,” she said. Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament on the planet, brings in tens of thousands of visitors for two full days every year on the last weekend in June. It’s not just fun for everyone – it also has a huge economic impact on the city.

When asked what advice she would give a newcomer, Elkin replied, “Just keep exploring. There’s a lot that Spokane has that you just don’t realize until you’re looking for it, but whatever you’re looking for, you can usually find it.”