Effective immediately, Joe Nguyen has been appointed as the new president and chief executive officer of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. His confirmation follows his recent resignation from his position as director of the Washington state Department of Commerce.
Nguyen, who has an extensive background in technology with experience at Microsoft and Expedia, previously served in the Washington State Senate. As Chamber CEO, he aims to enhance the business environment in the region, focusing on job creation and economic growth.
Nguyen succeeds Gabriella Buono, who held the interim role after former president Rachel Smith transitioned to the Washington Roundtable. The Chamber, which boasts 2,600 members, plays a pivotal role in advocating for business-friendly policies, as emphasized by Chamber Board Chair Teresa Hutson.
Nguyen will officially start his new position at the end of January, marking a new chapter for the Chamber as it seeks to bolster the Seattle area's economic stability.