Chamber CEO Maud Daudon will join a cross-section of business, industry and higher education leaders on a new city of Seattle Economic Development Commission focused on Seattle’s competitiveness in the global economy. The goal is to help the city develop and advance a vision for economic development based on a policy and regulatory environment that encourages innovation and supports business formation, retention and growth.
“Seattle and the Puget Sound region is well positioned to create an economy that is resilient, equitable and sustainable,” said Daudon. “I’m delighted that our elected officials are taking a strategic approach to economic development that involves business, labor and higher education.”
The Economic Development Commission formalizes a commitment Council made in their resolution during the recent recession calling for actions to support economic development. It also grew out of a commitment the Mayor made in his Seattle Jobs Plan to confer regularly with business and labor on important economic development issues.
Commissioners will serve a one-year term. Along with Daudon, members include:
- Chris DeVore, Partner, Founders’ Co-op and TechStars Seattle
- David Freiboth, Executive Secretary Treasurer, King County Central Labor Council and Vice President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
- Christine Hanna, Co-Founder/Co-Director, Seattle Good Business Network
- Tanya Jimale, President and CEO, JTS
- Rob Mohn, President, RAM Columbia, LLC
- Alan Nay, Founder, World Famous
- Sarah Patterson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Mason Medical Center
- Michael Rawding, Principal, Deerhorn Advisors
- Chris Rivera, President, Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association
- Brad Tong, Principal, Shiels, Obletz, Johnsen, Inc
- Dr. Jill Wakefield, Chancellor, Seattle Community Colleges
- Ken Willman, Chief Legal Officer, Russell Investments
- Tay Yoshitani, CEO, Port of Seattle
- Michael Young, President, University of Washington