Meet the Team

  • Tara Mortenson

    PRESIDENT

    Meet the vibrant force behind the scenes, Tara Mortenson. As President of Northwest Foundation, Tara meets with, vets and volunteers at the organizations we support. She is passionate about supporting the nonprofits in the community she lives in as well as our national and international partnerships. The foundation began with Tara supporting the Northwest Self Storage employees in their desire to give. Through the Give Collective, Northwest Self Storage accepted applications from employees for donations to organizations that they were passionate about.

    Today, Tara continues to encourage a giving philosophy through engaging all generations of the Howard extended family in the Foundation.

  • Kevin Howard

    KEVIN HOWARD

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Kevin Howard, the founder and previous Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Self Storage, is a visionary leader with a legacy spanning back to 1977 in the self-storage industry. Under his guidance, Northwest Self Storage became a key player, eventually joining forces with National Storage Affiliates (NYSE: NSA) in 2014, boasting over 1,000 stores nationwide. Kevin's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of self-storage operations, from development and management to property listings and sales, earning him a respected role as a national consultant.

    Beyond the boardroom, Kevin and his wife Bobbie’s commitment to community welfare led the to establish the Northwest Foundation in 2013. His philanthropic endeavors exemplify his dedication to giving back, creating a positive impact that resonates far beyond the storage industry.

  • Dawn Tangvald

    DAWN TANGVALD

    SEC

    Dawn Tangvald served as the President of Northwest Self Storage, a dynamic property management company specializing in the ownership, operation, and development of storage properties throughout the Pacific Northwest. Before joining Northwest Self Storage, she held key positions within renowned companies such as Nike, Gap Inc., and Pottery Barn. Her journey in these corporate giants encompassed various roles in Merchandising, Ecommerce, and Business Development.

    In addition to her impactful leadership in the business realm, Dawn is a dedicated advocate for community welfare. She passionately contributes her time and efforts to Project Lemonade, a cause close to her heart. Through this initiative, Dawn extends her commitment to empowering and supporting youth in foster care, showcasing her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact beyond the boardroom.