President & CEO
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
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Marilyn Strickland is the president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Recognized by leaders throughout the Seattle metro area for her principled, collaborative, and forward-thinking style, Strickland champions a regional approach to address our most pressing issues, including housing affordability, transportation, and economic opportunity. She is the first person of color and second woman to hold this role in the 136-year history of the organization.
Strickland served as Mayor of Tacoma from 2010-2017, where she forged new ground on transportation, education, international investment and economic development. Prior to elected office, she held marketing communications positions in both the private and public sectors. She serves on the steering committee of the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, and is a trustee for the Urban Land Institute and Annie Wright Schools. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum.
Strickland holds a B.A. from the University of Washington and a Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University.