Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) is pleased to announce the hiring of the organization’s new CEO, Lynnette Buffington, who is scheduled to begin in mid-July.

Lynnette’s professional experience includes many years of association management with a strong background in policy as well as local, state and federal advocacy. She is a skilled executive in nationally recognized membership associations with experience in outreach, business partnerships and communications. Lynnette is locally and nationally known as an effective, entrepreneurial and innovative leader.

One of Lynnette’s most notable positions was serving as Vice President of the state’s third largest chamber of commerce, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. This chamber received annual recognition for communication platform quality as well as advocacy work and programs. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber was also a top finalist for the National Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chamber of the Year Award in 2016 in recognition of their work in representing business interests with government. While at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Lynnette successfully partnered with regional economic development and tourism partners for business recruitment, attraction and tourism efforts.

Most recently, Lynnette led the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP), a statewide law enforcement association with close to 3,000 members where she was required to manage all responsibilities including policy, communications and outreach.

As a native Washingtonian, Lynnette has spent many summers and holiday breaks at her family’s cabin in Grayland which attributed to her deep affection for the region and interest in the position.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to become the CEO/President of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.,” states Lynnette. “The GGHI Board of Directors has been supportive, welcoming and enthusiastic throughout the hiring process and I look forward to working with such a dedicated and passionate group of business leaders. Grays Harbor County has tremendous potential to position itself as a business location and destination of choice and I look forward to working with the team at GGHI to make that happen.”

“The Board is very excited to have Lynnette Buffington join the Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. team,” says Tony Enzler, Chairman of the GGHI Board. “She has an energy and the experience to enhance the relationships for our members and strengthen our economic vitality during this challenging time. Her experience in chamber operations and creating actionable communication with policy makers in Olympia will be vital to achieving the goals set for GGHI. We look forward to working with Lynnette to generate and shape a better business community for all of Grays Harbor County.”