SCC welcomes first female CEO in the organization’s 36-year history.
SEATTLE – September 11, 2024 – 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 is to appoint 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 the 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 Atlanta, 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 a 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 contribute significantly
civic benefits to the community. With industry partners, it asserts a
commitment to financial stability, workforce development, sustainable
operations, and a distinct level of customer service excellence.
For more information, visit seattleconventioncenter.com [1].
