Joe Nguyen Named New CEO of Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that Joe Nguyen will become its new president and chief executive officer. This announcement comes less than a week after Nguyen revealed his departure from his position as director of Washington state’s Department of Commerce. With his diverse background spanning technology, state politics, and public service, Nguyen brings a wealth of experience to one of Seattle’s most influential business advocacy organizations.
Nguyen’s professional journey reflects a commitment to both the public and private sectors. As a tech industry veteran with experience at major companies like Microsoft and Expedia, he understands the business landscape from within. His political experience as a State Senator representing Seattle’s 34th Legislative District provided him with valuable insights into policy-making and governance. Most recently, his leadership at the Washington Department of Commerce gave him hands-on experience managing substantial budgets and administering diverse programs focused on housing, energy, community development, and business services. This combination of experiences positions him uniquely to bridge the interests of business, government, and community in his new role.
In his statement following the announcement, Nguyen emphasized his commitment to enhancing Seattle’s business environment while addressing broader community needs. “The Chamber plays a critical role in advocating for policy outcomes that support businesses and our region’s economic stability,” he noted in the official release. His stated priorities include collaborating closely with Chamber members and policymakers to strengthen the business climate, ensure effective use of public resources, and develop solutions that support job creation, affordability, and regional economic health. This balanced approach reflects his understanding that business prosperity and community wellbeing are deeply interconnected in creating a thriving metropolitan region.
The timing of Nguyen’s career transition has attracted attention across Washington state. His departure from the Department of Commerce after just one year marks him as the first member of Governor Bob Ferguson’s executive cabinet to resign rather than retire. While Nguyen did not immediately disclose his new position when announcing his departure from Commerce, speculation quickly emerged in business and political circles. The Seattle Chamber position had been open since Rachel Smith left to become president of the Washington Roundtable, with Gabriella Buono serving as interim leader. Chamber Board Chair Teresa Hutson, a Microsoft executive, praised Nguyen’s “incisive, results-oriented approach and the ability to work across sectors” as key qualities that led to his selection.
Nguyen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Seattle’s business community, which continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, concerns about public safety, and ongoing debates about the role of large employers in addressing regional challenges like housing affordability and homelessness. The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, with its 2,600 members, serves as the collective voice for businesses ranging from small local establishments to global corporations headquartered in the region. Nguyen’s diverse background may help the organization build stronger coalitions across different stakeholder groups while advancing policies that support economic growth and address community concerns.
As a lifelong Washington resident and Seattle University graduate with degrees in finance and humanities, Nguyen brings both local knowledge and professional expertise to his new role, which he will officially assume at the end of January. His appointment represents a significant leadership change for an organization that plays a central role in shaping Seattle’s economic future. With experience in technology, politics, and public administration, Nguyen’s leadership will likely focus on collaborative approaches to strengthening the region’s competitive position while addressing the complex challenges facing one of America’s most dynamic metropolitan areas.
