The Seattle Convention Center in downtown Seattle, Washington, tapped industry veteran Jennifer LeMaster in mid-September to head up the role of CEO. She replaces Jeff Blosser, who retired earlier this year, and she is the first woman to hold the position at the venue. The hire was a unanimous selection among the center’s board of directors.
“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 Seattle Convention Center into the future,” says Frank Finneran, chairman of the board, in a prepared statement. The board’s goal was to bring in someone with extensive experience in strategic planning, hospitality management, and economic development, all to advance the mission of the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District in the years to come.
LeMaster’s career spans 26 years and began in college sports at the University of Kentucky Athletics Association leading marketing and special events. This was followed by a stint at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, first at the Georgia Dome then at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (both of which the authority oversees). “I am humbled to serve the board and team at Seattle Convention Center, a critical driver of economic development and tourism for the state of Washington,” says LeMaster. “As you look across the country, there are very few destinations that can offer such a diversity of event experiences and innovative venues in the most exquisite natural environment in the nation as a backdrop.”
