Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives

09/02/2026

David, thank you for your many years of dedicated leadership and service to the Thurston County Chamber. Your wisdom, insight, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our organization and your community.

We will certainly miss having you with us, but we’re excited for you as you begin this next chapter. Wishing you a very happy and well-deserved retirement.

After more than 28 years of extraordinary service to the Thurston County Chamber and our community, President and CEO David Schaffert will conclude his tenure with the Chamber at the end of 2026.

David has led the Chamber since August 1998, helping the organization grow and evolve while remaining focused on its mission of building a prosperous economy and vibrant community.

During his tenure, the Chamber has strengthened its role as a convener, advocate and community partner, bringing together businesses, educators, workforce leaders and organizations from across Thurston County and the South Sound.

“It’s been a privilege to have served in the capacity that I have with the Chamber,” David said. “Its legacy of 152 years of developing our community is remarkable, and to have been a small part of that history is humbling.”

The Chamber Board has begun a thoughtful process to select the organization’s next President and CEO, with the transition expected to be completed by the end of the year.

There will be much more to say—and celebrate—about David’s remarkable 28 years of leadership in the months ahead. For today, we invite you to read the full announcement on our blog.

https://thurstonchamber.com/thurston-county-chamber-announces-ceo-transition/

07/15/2026

Ryan - Congratulations on your new position and best of luck at APEX Everett!

After four years of leadership, Edmonds Chamber President & CEO Ryan Crowther will be stepping down this September to become CEO of APEX Everett.

Ryan joined the Chamber during a pivotal time and helped lead the organization through an incredible period of growth and renewal. Together with our members, volunteers, board, staff and community partners, we've strengthened local businesses, expanded signature events, grown our membership by more than 130 businesses and organizations, and built a strong financial foundation for the future.

We're incredibly grateful for Ryan's dedication to the Edmonds community and the lasting impact he's made. While we'll miss his leadership, we're excited to see him take on this new opportunity and wish him continued success.

As Ryan continues leading the Chamber through the Edmonds Block Party and Classic Car & Motorcycle Show before his final day on September 6, the Chamber Board of Directors has launched a regional and national search for our next President & CEO. If you know a dynamic, community-focused leader who is passionate about supporting local businesses and strengthening communities, we encourage them to learn more and apply through the Chamber's website.

Thank you, Ryan, for everything you've done for Edmonds. We look forward to building on this momentum together as we begin the Chamber's next chapter!

07/14/2026

📣 Ready to Level Up Your Chamber Career?

WCCE, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is offering a $500 partial scholarship to help a member get started with the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) — specifically, the Winter Institute at the University of Arizona in Tucson, January 3–7, 2027.

What This Means: One lucky first-timer gets a head start on this respected professional development program, at a reduced cost.

To qualify, you must be:
• A first-year Institute attendee
• Not already receiving scholarship funds directly from the Institute program

Ready to check IOM off your professional development wish list? 📧 Email Dru Garson at [email protected] by July 31 to throw your name in the hat!

06/05/2026

Wow! It's been great to spend the last three days with dynamic chamber leaders from across Washington. We covered a lot of ground in Wenatchee as we made connections and shared tips at the WCCE Annual Conference.

Attendees honed their skills, had top-notch professional development and learned how they can become better at their job as chamber leaders.

Huge thanks to all of our attendees and sponsors, especially our title sponsor, The Boeing Company.

06/02/2026

With a $1M total prize pool, the SBA Patriot Pitch Competition awards American innovation!

Key details:
✅ Judging categories: strengthening American competitiveness, small business “punching above its weight,” economic impact, and business fundamentals and ex*****on readiness
✅ Deadline: Submit your pitch by June 10
✅ The finals: September 2026 in D.C.

Learn more and submit your pitch: https://www.sba.gov/freedom250

04/15/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 WCCE annual conference!

Join chamber leaders from across the state June 3–5 in Wenatchee for three days of strategy, insights and connection.

This year’s agenda includes:
* A look at Washington’s economic outlook
* The role of chambers in shaping the state’s future
* Real-world case studies and best practices
* Chamber Exchange: Peer-to-peer problem solving and idea lab
* New approaches to building sustainable, diversified revenue
* And more!

View the agenda and register here: https://wcce.org/events/2026-wcce-annual-conference/

04/08/2026

🎉 Registration is OPEN for the 2026 WCCE Annual Conference!

Join us June 3–5 in Wenatchee for a few days of learning, connection, and fresh ideas with chamber leaders from across the state.

Plus—Wenatchee in June? Doesn’t get much better ☀️

👉 Check out the agenda and save your spot: wcce.org