Joe Nguyen became president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce on January 21, 2026, after leaving his post as Washington state Commerce director. The Chamber announced his appointment on December 29, 2025; Nguyen confirmed his first day in a message that January.
When did Joe Nguyen become Seattle Chamber CEO?
The Chamber announced Nguyen as its next president and CEO on December 29, 2025, saying he would take the role at the end of January. Nguyen wrote on January 21, 2026, “Today marks my first day as your President and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber.” Governor Bob Ferguson announced the same day that Nguyen was leaving the Department of Commerce to join the Chamber.
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Why did Nguyen leave Washington Commerce?
The available announcements confirm the transition from state Commerce director to Chamber president and CEO, but do not give Nguyen’s personal reason for leaving. The Chamber described priorities for his new role; those priorities are not an explanation of his decision to depart state government.
Who is Joe Nguyen?
Nguyen’s career spans state government, elected office and the private sector. He represented Seattle’s 34th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate and held leadership roles at Microsoft and Expedia, according to the Chamber. He is a lifelong Washington resident and a Seattle University graduate with degrees in finance and humanities.
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The Washington State Senate confirmed Nguyen as director of the Department of Commerce on February 19, 2025. The Senate journal records 48 votes in favor, none opposed and one senator excused. Ferguson later described Nguyen as one of his first executive cabinet appointments and said he served as Commerce director for one year.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What priorities did Nguyen set for the Chamber?
In the appointment announcement, Nguyen said he planned to work with Chamber members and policymakers on the business climate, public-resource use, job creation, affordability, and a safe and thriving regional economy. These are his stated priorities, not reported results from his time in the role.
Teresa Hutson, chair of the Chamber board, described Nguyen as results-oriented and able to work across sectors. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay called him collaborative and pragmatic, and said a strong business community goes hand in hand with taking care of people.
What does the Seattle Chamber represent?
In its December 29, 2025 announcement, the Chamber said it engaged 2,500 members and represented a regional workforce of approximately 750,000. Those are figures reported by the Chamber, not independently verified statistics in the announcement.
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The Chamber said its CEO search committee hired NextDeavor to conduct a comprehensive search. It also thanked Gabriella Buono for serving as interim president and CEO during the transition.
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