Former two-term state Senator Joe Fain has a new job – president and CEO of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Former two-term state Senator Joe Fain has a new job – president and CEO of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Bellevue Chamber of Commerce selects Fain as new president and CEO

  • Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:42am
  • News

The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce announced Friday that it had selected former 47th Legislative District State Sen. Joe Fain to be its new president and CEO.

Fain, who was elected to the Washington State Senate in 2010 and 2014, succeeds Betty Nokes Capestany, who left the Chamber in 2018 after 17 years to become Pierce County’s economic development director.

“Joe has a proven track record of collaborative leadership in both government and business, and we believe he is uniquely suited to help lead the Chamber as we foster and advocate for a healthy business environment in Bellevue and the Eastside,” said Josh Marti, Bellevue Chamber Board chair. “As CEO, Joe will spearhead the Chamber’s efforts as a convener as we look forward to providing even greater service to our members and stakeholders.”

Fain is to work closely with the Chamber’s board and members to ensure that businesses of all sizes and in all sectors can thrive and attract the talent for the jobs that drive the city’s economy forward.

“Bellevue has more than come into its own as a modern, growing city full of innovative businesses,” said Bellevue City Councilmember Jennifer Robertson. “I’ve been impressed by Joe’s experience and abilities as a forward-thinking, bipartisan leader, and I know he will be an effective advocate for Bellevue’s business community.”

Fain begins his new job on Feb. 19.

“As I begin with the Chamber, I look forward to collaborating with Bellevue’s employers and civic leaders, redoubling our efforts to make Bellevue the best place to live, work, and do business in Washington,” Fain said. “I am honored and humbled to be selected for this role and will work tirelessly as an advocate for the business community.”

After graduating from Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines, Fain earned his BA from the University of Washington and his MBA and law degree from Seattle University.

Last November, Fain lost reelection to his state Senate seat to Mona Das on the heels of Seattle resident Candice Faber’s allegation that he had raped her in 2007. The allegation was never substantiated.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

File Photo
KC Sheriff’s Office sues over Burien encampment ban

Office of Law Enforcement Oversight director calls Burien’s ordinance “unconstitutional.”

t
City of Kent nears groundbreaking on $38 million operations center

To be built on East Hill for Public Works and portions of Parks and Police departments

Courtesy photo
KC Sheriff’s Office receives funding for mental health response

Two King County Sheriff’s Office projects will receive federal funding, including a… Continue reading

t
Kent Des Moines Station for light rail nearing completion | Photos

Work also continues on Star Lake Station and parking garages for scheduled 2026 route opening

Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. FILE PHOTO
Man faces hate crime, assault charges after Kent bus incident

Latino man allegedly used n-word and other racist slurs toward Black woman

Washington State Trooper Chris Gadd is transported inside prior to a memorial service in his honor Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘Simply the best of us’: Memorial honors state trooper Chris Gadd in Everett

Hundreds of law enforcement officers pack arena for a public memorial for Kentlake High graduate

t
Covington’s Stephanie Lawson to run for 47th Legislative District House seat

Republican to challenge incumbent Debra Entenman, D-Kent

t
President Biden’s budget includes $500M for Hanson Dam fish passage

Green River facility would open connection to 100 miles of salmon spawning habitat upriver

Inside the SCORE jail. File photo
Inmate at SCORE Jail dies from unidentified injury

Makena Buckland, 21, died March 4.

Design rendering of the Interim Base electric bus charging station in Tukwila. (Courtesy of King County Metro)
King County Metro breaks ground in Tukwila on electric bus charging hub

The Interim Base will charge dozens of buses serving South King County.

t
Kent native Hawkins enjoying U.S. Navy career in San Diego

Kent-Meridian High School graduate has served nine years

t
Kent Police arrest Maple Valley man for reported assault, hate crime

Man allegedly called an African American woman racist names on Metro bus before punching, stabbing her