submitted by Loni Syltebo, Seattle Convention Center
SCC welcomes first female CEO in the organization’s 36-year history.
SEATTLE – Seattle Convention Center’s Board of Directors announced today it has appointed Jennifer LeMaster as its new President & CEO, effective September 16, 2024. She will be the Center’s first female CEO, replacing Jeff Blosser, who retired earlier this year.
The unanimous selection follows a thorough CEO search process conducted by the Board through the efforts of the Board’s Search Committee, with the goal of appointing a next generation leader with extensive strategic planning, hospitality management, and economic development experience, capable of advancing the mission of the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District for years to come.
“With her depth of experience in this industry, a talent for shaping strategy, and her proven track record of developing and inspiring a diverse team, Jennifer is the perfect leader to take SCC into the future,” said Board of Directors Chairman Frank Finneran.
LeMaster’s 26-year career started in college sports at the University of Kentucky Athletics Association, leading marketing and special events. This opened doors in Atlanta where she joined the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), first at the Georgia Dome where she had responsibilities for $22M in annual revenues and oversaw a $30M renovation to the club seats and suites. Later, she would guide public affairs during the development of the $1.7B 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) that reshaped culture, internal governance, brand positioning and future growth of the GWCCA facilities, including as a hotel project development lead and asset manager for the $520M Signia by Hilton Altanta, the first publicly owned-publicly financed convention hotel on campus.
LeMaster is excited to relocate to Seattle and advises the Board she is ready to dream big and bring a new shared vision to life for SCC. “I am humbled to serve the Board and team at SCC, a critical driver of economic development and tourism for the State of Washington.” said LeMaster. “As you look across the country, there are very few destinations that can offer the diversity of event experiences and innovative venues in the most exquisite natural environment in the nation as a backdrop.”
“On behalf of Visit Seattle, we’re very excited to work alongside Jennifer to welcome in the next phase of growth for conventions and meetings in Seattle,” said Visit Seattle President and CEO Tammy Canavan. “Jen’s future-focused and people-centered leadership aligns well with our city’s national reputation for innovation and sustainability.”
About Seattle Convention Center
Through the power of meetings and conventions, Seattle Convention Center elevates the city’s global reputation, drives economic benefits for Seattle, King County and Washington State, and contributes significant civic benefits for the community. It asserts, with industry partners, a commitment to financial stability, workforce development, sustainable operations, and a distinct level of customer service excellence. For more information, visit seattleconventioncenter.com.
