Submitted by: Loni Syltebo, Seattle Convention Center
SCC welcomes the first female CEO in the organization’s 36-year history.
SEATTLE – The Seattle Convention Center Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Jennifer LeMaster as its new president and CEO, effective September 16, 2024. She will become the center’s first female CEO, succeeding Jeff Blosser, who retired earlier this year.
The unanimous selection follows a comprehensive CEO search process conducted by the Board through the efforts of the Board Search Committee to appoint a next-generation leader with extensive strategic planning, hospitality management and economic development experience who can advance the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District’s mission in the years ahead.
“Jennifer’s extensive experience in the industry, her talent for developing strategy, and her track record of developing and motivating diverse teams make her the perfect leader to lead SCC into the future,” said Frank Finneran, chairman of the board.
LeMaster’s 26-year career began in the University Athletics Department at the Kentucky University Athletic Association, where she led marketing and special events. This opened doors for her in Atlanta, where she joined the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), first working at the Georgia Dome, where she was responsible for $22 million in annual revenue and oversaw a $30 million renovation of club seating and suites. Later, she directed public affairs during the development of the $1.7 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Her work on the stadium project led to overseeing the development and implementation of three distinct phases of strategic planning (Vision2020, Vision2025 and Vision2030), reshaping the culture, internal governance, brand positioning and future development of the GWCCA facility, including serving as Head of Hotel Project Development and Asset Manager for the $520 million Signia by Hilton Altanta, the first publicly owned and publicly funded convention hotel on campus.
LeMaster is excited to be moving to Seattle, and she told the board she is ready to dream big and bring a new shared vision to SCC. “I am honored to serve the SCC board and team, which is a key driver of economic development and tourism in Washington State,” said LeMaster. “Looking across the country, few destinations offer such a diverse range of event experiences and innovative venues, all set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful natural environments in the country.”
“On behalf of Visit Seattle, we are excited to work with Jennifer on the next phase of growth for Seattle’s meetings and convention industry,” said Tammy Canavan, president and CEO of Visit Seattle. “Jennifer’s future-focused, people-first leadership style aligns perfectly with our city’s national reputation for innovation and sustainability.”
About Seattle Convention Center
Through the power of meetings and conventions, the Seattle Convention Center enhances the city’s global reputation, generates economic benefits for Seattle, King County and the state of Washington, and delivers significant livelihood benefits to the community. Together with industry partners, it is committed to achieving financial stability, workforce development, sustainable operations and exceptional customer service. For more information, visit seattleconventioncenter.com.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.