Bellevue Chamber of Commerce selects Joe Fain as new president and CEO

February 16, 2019 10:30 am
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

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.