In early December, Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) CEO, Lynnette Buffington announced her resignation from the organization after three and a half years of service. As Ms. Buffington begins the transition, Jon Martin has been appointed as the Incoming Interim CEO.
After Ms. Buffington announced her resignation and hiring as the new Chief of Staff at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the GGHI Board of Directors was tasked with filling the role of CEO. At the time, Mr. Martin was serving as the Chairman of the Board, thus having an in-depth understanding of the organization’s inner workings and demonstrating the desire and capability to step into the Interim CEO role, effective upon Ms. Buffington’s departure on January 12th.
A longstanding resident of Grays Harbor with over 15 years of experience in the area, Mr. Martin is poised to make an impact as Interim CEO. His local business background and eight years of service on the GGHI Board has equipped him with invaluable expertise and insight. Mr. Martin’s diverse experience includes leadership positions in large and medium sized corporations as well as owning a small business.
With Mr. Martin at the helm, GGHI will continue serving the community as the regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. Some of the annual work that GGHI conducts includes facilitating educational workshops and technical assistance for small businesses, recruiting new employers to the region, enhancing tourism economic development, and advocating on behalf of local businesses. Additionally, GGHI hosts numerous events throughout the year, including monthly Business Forum Lunches and Business After Hours, State of Grays Harbor, Legislative Send-Off, and Showcase Grays Harbor.
Furthermore, Mr. Martin has a solid background in municipal government, advocating for projects, and representing the needs of Grays Harbor businesses. “I’m honored to have the GGHI Board’s support and am fully committed to the organizations’s mission of fostering business and economic growth in Grays Harbor,” stated Mr. Martin. With a united effort and a strong foundation, Mr. Martin believes in working together to drive the growth of the county and ensuring that the voice of Grays Harbor is heard.
As Mr. Martin officially takes on the title of Interim CEO in mid-January, the search will begin for a permanent applicant to fill the position. “All non-profit leaders should enjoy the amount of talent and interest from a Board of Directors that I have experienced while at GGHI,” said Ms. Buffington. “Jon’s fulfillment of the interim role is testament to his long tenure of engagement, understanding and belief in the organization while serving on the board. It provides me great relief to have Jon fulfill this role, I know the momentum will continue.”
For inquiries regarding the CEO search please contact GGHI Board of Directors Chair, Kyle Pauley at kyle@kxro.com.
For all other media inquiries or additional information, please contact GGHI Marketing Coordinator, Kelsey Norvell at knorvell@graysharbor.org.