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 workforce training. She is the first person of color and second woman to hold this role.
Prior to this position, Strickland served for eight years as Mayor of Tacoma, where she forged new ground on transportation, education, international investment, and economic development, and served for two years as a member of the Tacoma City Council. Prior to elected office, she worked in both the private and public sectors. She currently serves as a trustee of the Urban Land Institute, on the Pierce County Advisory Council for Amara, and is the 2018 Campaign Chair for United Way of Pierce County.
Strickland holds a B.A. from the University of Washington and a Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University.