Trustees advise, govern, promote and oversee policy and the overall direction of the Chamber in support of the mission to help members thrive in an equitable and inclusive regional economy.

Trustees meet six times a year and are asked to attend at least two major events.

The Chamber has a small number of openings for Trustees and this year we are placing higher priority on finding Trustees from key industries including accounting, manufacturing, life sciences and construction and Trustees who operate and manage small businesses.

Board responsibilities and expectations:

  • Lead the organization and provide civic advice
  • Commit to building an antiracist organization
  • Formulate and oversee policies and procedures
  • Edit, question, validate, review, and approve the Chamber’s annual budget
  • Promote the organization and help recruit new members
  • Communicate and promote the Chamber mission and programs to the community and constituency
  • When possible, financially support the Chamber by hosting a board meeting, sponsoring and attending events, providing in-kind support, or taking a leadership role with the Board or a Board committee
  • Review advance materials prior to meetings, come well-informed and prepared to share knowledge with Board colleagues, ask discerning questions, and discuss possible consequences of Board actions.

Excellent Seattle Metro Chamber Board Trustees:

  • Are strong advocates for the Chamber in their broader communities?
  • Are civically engaged and care about improving our regional business climate.
  • Reflect the community the Chamber serves and have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion Have a constituency with which they have credibility and influence.
  • Have some level of financial decision-making power within their organization.
  • Are eager to participate in Chamber initiatives and willing to provide strategic advice to Chamber staff.
  • Actively engage in the Chamber’s work, including events and programming, membership recruitment, and policy efforts.
  • Have a sense of personal responsibility and accountability for making things happen.
  • Possess and articulate a strategic vision for the future.
  • Demonstrate respect for different perspectives, viewpoints, and asks questions for understanding.

Board meetings & commitments

  • Board Meetings: The Board of Trustees meets on the second Tuesday of every other month of the year beginning in September. Meetings are held from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at various locations around the region. Trustees are encouraged to attend all five (5) board meetings and one (1) Board retreat each year.
  • Trustees are asked to attend a minimum of two major events (Annual Meeting, Regional Leadership Conference, Public Officials Reception, Study Missions, Elevate NW), and all six Board meetings each year.
  • Length of term: Three (3) years, which may be renewed up to two consecutive terms.
  • Board dues: Trustees must be employees of member companies that are in good standing and will be asked to pay an additional $700 annually.


The process:
The Board welcomes new members annually at the start of the fiscal year in September. All nominees go through a selection and voting process by the Nominations & Member Development Committee.

Board members must be employees of a member company in good standing. Please apply for yourself or submit a nomination by March 28.