Seattle: Governance#
How the convention center is governed — the PFD structure, board composition, state backstop, and key contracts.
Primary sources: RCW 36.100, PFD board meeting minutes (2018–2025), bond official statements, CFO letters.
PFD Structure#
The Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District is a special-purpose municipal corporation created under RCW 36.100. It is not a city department and does not report through the Seattle city budget.
- Board: 9 members (appointing authorities TBD from board minutes)
- Taxing authority: 7% lodging tax on hotel rooms in Seattle
- State backstop: Washington State guarantees bond debt service shortfalls — expires 2029
Leadership Sequence#
CEO / President#
| Name | Title | Period | Prior Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Blosser | President & CEO | As of Jan 2019 – 2024 | — |
| Jennifer LeMaster | CEO | Sept 2024 – present | Georgia World Congress Center Authority (Atlanta) |
CFO#
| Name | Period |
|---|---|
| Chip Firth | — |
| Sam Hecker | — |
| Erwin B. Vidallon | Current (signs FY2024 audit) |
External Finance#
| Name | Firm | Role | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Hendricks | Hendricks & Bennett | Director of Finance / Treasurer | 2018 bonds; still presenting at Oct 2025 retreat |
Key Staff#
| Name | Role | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Michael McQuade | Director of Sales → Senior Advisor | 1988–2026 (38 years) |
| Aaron Davis | Assistant Director of Sales | Current |
| Linda Willanger | VP Admin / AGM | — (not CEO) |
Board Members#
Source: seattlecc.com/governance, retrieved April 2026.