Seattle Metro Chamber President and CEO Rachel Smith announced today the Chamber has hired Lynnette Buffington as the new Chief of Staff.
Lynnette will be responsible for delivering on Chamber priorities through her management of strategic initiatives and operational support, and by serving as a trusted advisor and member of the senior leadership team and representing the CEO and organization working with both internal and external stakeholders.
A Seattle native with roots in Tacoma, Lynnette most recently served as the CEO of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. starting in 2020, playing a pivotal role in economic recovery by securing more than $1 million in grants for crucial programs benefiting small businesses and overall economic revitalization.
Prior to her role at Greater Grays Harbor, Inc., she served as the inaugural executive director of the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police. In this capacity, she advocated for industry and community-supported legislation, including the passage of HB 1064, and participated in the legislature-led retail theft workgroup.
Lynnette’s early chamber experience spans seven years as the Vice-President of Investor Outreach and Operations at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.
“Since the beginning of this hiring process I said I need someone who could do it all: first and foremost, a leader; someone who has membership organization experience, has worked closely with professional associations, has regularly been in front of city councils and collaborated with mayors, is no stranger to HR and finance, can seamlessly engage with members of all sizes, and who can live our values and shares our antiracism commitment,” said Rachel Smith, President and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber. “I believe Lynnette is the perfect fit.”
Lynnette’s first day at the Chamber will be Jan. 16.