FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 29, 2025
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Announces Joe Nguyen as New President and CEO
SEATTLE – The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce today announced the appointment of Joe Nguyen as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, bringing extensive experience in economic development, business strategy, government, and public-private collaboration to the region’s leading business advocacy organization.
Nguyen joins the Chamber after serving as Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, where he oversaw statewide efforts to support employers, strengthen key industries, expand workforce capacity, and improve Washington’s competitiveness. He previously served in the Washington State Senate representing Seattle’s 34th Legislative District and has held private-sector leadership roles at Microsoft and Expedia.
“Joe knows well how policy decisions directly impact business growth, innovation, and job creation and in turn the quality of life for everyone” said Teresa Hutson, Chair of the Seattle Metro Chamber Board. “He brings an incisive, results-oriented approach and the ability to work across sectors to advance a strong, competitive economy for the Seattle region.”
Nguyen said his focus as CEO will be on ensuring the region is an attractive place to do business, grow companies, and create jobs at a time when affordability challenges persist.
“The Chamber plays a critical role in advocating for policy outcomes that support businesses and our region’s economic stability,” said Joe Nguyen, President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “My priority is to work closely with our members and policymakers to strengthen the business climate, ensure smart use of public resources, and advance solutions that support job creation, affordability, and a safe, thriving regional economy.”
The Chamber’s CEO search committee hired talent acquisition firm NextDeavor to conduct a comprehensive search, with Nguyen emerging as the leading candidate at a pivotal time for the regional economy.
“I want to congratulate Joe Nguyen on being selected to serve as the next CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “As I begin my term, I couldn’t think of a better partner in building the thriving economy our region deserves. Joe is collaborative, pragmatic, and smart as hell, with a deep understanding that a strong business community goes hand in hand with taking care of people. We both come from low-income backgrounds, and that shapes how we lead. It means never losing sight of the fact that a strong business climate can and should lift all people, especially those most struggling in this economy. Congratulations to Joe and to the Chamber.”
“Joe brings credibility with business leaders and policymakers alike, along with a strong track record of delivering outcomes that improve the region’s business climate and quality of life,” said Susan Loosmore, former Chamber Board Chair and co-Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “He understands the pressures and uncertainty facing employers today and is well positioned to lead effective advocacy on behalf of the business community.”
In marking this leadership transition, Chamber leaders also expressed their appreciation for those who provided steady leadership and support throughout the search.
“A special thank you to Gabriella Buono, interim Chamber CEO and President, for her steady leadership during this transition and her continued advocacy for the diverse business community across our region,” said Ada Healey, former Chamber Board Chair and co-Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “We are also grateful for the team from NextDeavor for keeping this process on track and helping us build a solid foundation for the future.”
Nguyen is a lifelong Washington resident and graduate of Seattle University, where he earned degrees in finance and humanities. His career spans technology, economic policy, and organizational leadership, giving him a deep understanding of the intersection between business growth and public decision-making.
Nguyen will officially assume the role of President and CEO at the end of January.
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Media contact: Mara Samudrala
Cell: 402-212-4937
MaraS@seattlechamber.com
About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan (Seattle Metro) Chamber of Commerce is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,500 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is an independent organization representing a regional workforce of approximately 750,000. For more information, visit www.seattlechamber.com.