The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has selected Rachel Porter as its new  Executive Director. Porter, the former Director of Membership and Community Relations for the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, brings to West Seattle a wealth of leadership experience, including a successful history of membership retention, a strong background in advocacy, volunteer management, and programming, and a proven track record in building public sector partnerships. “As a 10-year resident of West Seattle, I am thrilled to work in the community that I love and care for deeply,” said Porter. “It is particularly exciting as a chamber professional to be able to work with businesses for sustainable economic growth in our area. I look forward to meeting everyone in the coming months."

The West Seattle Chamber’s hiring committee was unanimous in its support of Porter. During her eight years at the Federal Way Chamber, she helped double its membership to 400+ businesses. Porter also managed economic development initiatives, political candidate forums, marketing campaigns, and the Federal Way Chamber’s comprehensive strategic planning process. “Rachel's depth of chamber experience will help us evolve and grow to support our business community as we navigate a competitive marketplace and other regional challenges,” said Lindsay Wolpa, incoming West Seattle Chamber Board President. 

Porter joins the West Seattle Chamber following a period of unprecedented growth. One hundred fifty-eight businesses joined or rejoined the Chamber under outgoing Executive Director Whitney Moore’s two-year tenure. “We are so grateful to Whitney for her many contributions which included the celebration of our 100th birthday,” said current Board President Dawn Leverett. “We are delighted to welcome a proven Chamber leader into our Executive Director role and look forward to working with Rachel as we continue to grow in our next century.”