Meet The Team

Owner + Director of Events

Nadine Kohler

Tacoma native Nadine is the mastermind of Bird + Duck, event creator, mom of three kids, certified government contract writer, former non-profit Development Director and married to Matt, her favorite person and biggest supporter. She has worked in events for over two decades and enjoys providing a platform for local small businesses to flourish in the Puget Sound region. 

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"I am truly thankful for a fabulous team that works with me to produce these events. I could NOT do it without them!"

Nadine is the owner of Bird + Duck Media LLC and director of the community and expo events produced by Bird + Duck Media, including the Tacoma Wedding + Event Show and the West Coast Homesteading Expo. 

Account Manager

Ashley Donohoe

Ashley is a Louisiana native and loves her new home in the PNW.  She is a fabulous connector,  licensed esthetician, business owner, mom, and proud Navy wife, as well as the President of her local BNI chapter — meaning she truly lives and breathes business connections and networking. With a strong understanding of small business ownership and client relationships, Ashley is here to support you every step of the way, from booth selection to show-day success, and help you make the most of your investment. She looks forward to working with you and helping your business shine at an upcoming show!  

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Ashley at Birdandduck.com

Finance + Vendor Support Manager

Event Weekends: Vendor Support + Dock Manager

Matt Kohler

Matt is a transplant to the South Sound region from Vancouver, Washington and moved here to marry his soulmate, Nadine. As Nadine's right-hand in supporting the operations for all Bird + Duck events, Matt is an invaluable member of the event team!

Stage + Floor Manager

Laura Hagen

Oregon native Laura, is a perfect South Sound region transplant and member of our events team! Mom of three, Tumwater High School's Office Lady extraordinaire, and wife to Tumwater firefighter, she brings years of event support experience dating back to 2011. You will find her smiling face at every event, managing the event stage(s) and show floor. Laura has been a team member of the shows since Bird + Duck's creation in 2018 and worked previously with South Sound Wedding + Event.  

Guest Services + Business Manager

Katie Engel

Katie is a Tacoma native and box office and ticketing expert! She currently works for The Washington Center for the Performing Arts and moonlights for Bird + Duck at all of our events as our Box Office Manager. She brings over 16 years of ticketing and box office experience to the team.

*On the far right in the photo.

Event Operations Manager

Kelly Ott

Kelly is a Tacoma transplant originally from Northern California. She has a performing arts background with over 15 years of working in events.  As our first Event Operations Manager to the team, Kelly is instrumental in event creation and can be found helping in various ways at our Bird + Duck events from check-in to stage management, vendor support, and director backup. 

*On the far left in the photo.

Event Assistants

The Teenage Crew

You will always find our teenage crew at the Bird + Duck events.  This group of GenZ and GenAlpha kids are all happy to help!