ABOUT US
Partnership. Solutions. Action.
First launched in 2015, today Challenge Seattle is an alliance of 23 organizations who represent some of the Seattle region’s largest employers and most successful innovators. Challenge Seattle is led by former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire.
As an organization, we tackle some of the region’s most pressing civic challenges, such as homelessness and racial equity. By harnessing the committed leadership, unique resources, and world-class talent of our member companies, we offer solutions to solve problems. We see this work as essential for ensuring Seattle thrives as one of the most vibrant, inclusive, and innovative regions in the world.
Importantly, everything we do is in partnership with others. From government to academia and non-profit organizations, we know we all have roles to play and can go further together. We strive to be intentional about the value and resources we add, without duplicating efforts, to maximize impact for our community.
Challenge Seattle’s CEO members initially made a five-year investment to our work together. In 2020, our members renewed that commitment for another five years.
“I believe in the future of this region, and it is my duty to help ensure its success. Working with this group of visionary leaders is a unique civic opportunity, and together we will work to create a better future for our residents and our region.”
Christine Gregoire
Challenge Seattle CEO
Former Washington State Governor
“I believe in the future of this region, and it is my duty to help ensure its success. Working with this group of visionary leaders is a unique civic opportunity, and together we will work to create a better future for our residents and our region.”
Christine Gregoire
Challenge Seattle CEO
Former Washington State Governor
Our Members
Ben Minicucci
President & CEO
Alaska Airlines
Beverly Anderson
President & CEO
BECU
Mark Suzman
CEO
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Stan Deal
President & CEO
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Ron Vachris
President & CEO
Costco
Ariane Gorin
CEO
Expedia Group
Tom Lynch, Jr., M.D.
President & Director
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Kerri Schroeder
Pacific Northwest Regional Chair
JPMorgan Chase
Angela Dowling
Regional President, Washington
Kaiser Permanente
Matt McIlwain
Managing Director
Madrona Venture Group
Satya Nadella
Chairman & CEO
Microsoft
Brad Smith
Vice Chair & President
Microsoft
Erik Nordstrom
CEO & Co-President
Nordstrom
Nikolaj Gilbert
President & CEO
PATH
Mary E. Kipp
President & CEO
Puget Sound Energy
Eric Artz
President & CEO
REI
Zach Buchwald
Chairman & CEO
Russell Investments
Laxman Narasimhan
CEO
Starbucks
Shawn Conway
CEO
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Margaret Meister
President & CEO
Symetra Financial Corporation
Mike Sievert
President & CEO
T-Mobile
Ketul Patel
CEO
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Devin Stockfish
President & CEO
Weyerhaeuser
Jeremy Wacksman
CEO
Zillow Group