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Committee recommends confirmation of Joy R. Shigaki to Washington State Convention Center PFD board
Summary
The Governance, Accountability and Economic Development Committee voted 4-0 to recommend confirmation of Joy R. Shigaki to the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District board; the appointment will go to full Council on March 25.
The Governance, Accountability and Economic Development Committee voted unanimously Thursday to recommend confirmation of Joy R. Shigaki to the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District board.
Chair Sarah Nelson said the committee moved to consider the appointment because the board will soon orient new members and Shigaki’s participation was time-sensitive. "We will be orienting two new board members this month at our March meeting. So we are excited to bring Joy," Nelson said.
Shigaki, introduced at the committee by Jennifer Lemaster, president and CEO of the Seattle Convention Center, described her interest in the role as tied to integrating the newly opened Waterfront Park into the larger downtown and regional convention ecosystem. "Part of that work is how we see ourselves being folded into the economic health of our city," Shigaki said. She said she would bring nonprofit experience managing Waterfront Park and emphasized partnership with the convention center "to help guide, and lead the work forward to ensure the health of our Convention Center and our ... new Summit Building."
Committee members praised Shigaki’s experience with the waterfront and described the appointment as a timely addition ahead of upcoming events. Councilmember Kettle said the waterfront and overlook walk are important to the city’s visitor experience and economic recovery; Councilmember Rivera noted personal connections to volunteer work with Friends of Waterfront Park and said she supported the appointment.
The clerk called the roll on the committee recommendation. Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Solomon, Councilmember Kettle and Chair Nelson voted "aye." The committee recorded four votes in favor and none opposed. Chair Nelson said the committee recommendation will be transmitted to the full City Council for final confirmation on March 25, 2025.
The committee discussion recorded that, with this confirmation, eight of nine PFD seats will be filled and one governor's office appointment remains vacant. Committee members said the timeline was accelerated to ensure Shigaki could participate in immediate board orientation and upcoming meetings.
The committee meeting then moved on to other agenda items.
