EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.
The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce and its nonprofit partner, the Success Foundation, this week announced the appointment of De’Andre Jones, M.Ed. as Executive Vice President, effective April 6, 2026.
Jones joins the organization with a strong background in college access, youth development and mentorship, fundraising, student affairs, and higher education leadership. In this role, he will serve as the President & CEO’s strategic partner and second-in-command, helping lead the execution of the Chamber and Success Foundation’s mission-driven programs, partnerships, and regional initiatives.
Most recently, Jones served as Director of Development & Alumni Relations at Charles Wright Academy, where he led strategic fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives. His work has received national recognition from the Council for Advancement & Support of Education (CASE) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Originally from Austin, Texas, Jones earned a Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stout as a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. He later completed a Master of Education in Student Development Administration at Seattle University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California, with an anticipated completion in 2028.
As Executive Vice President, Jones will help oversee the Chamber and Foundation’s signature initiatives, including the South King County Education & Workforce Summit, the Southside Leadership Conference, and the Workforce Discovery Lab, programs that connect businesses, educators, and community leaders to strengthen workforce development and economic opportunity across South King County.
He will also play a key role in expanding strategic partnerships, advancing economic development initiatives, supporting public policy engagement, and strengthening the Chamber’s impact across the communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila.
“De’Andre brings an extraordinary combination of leadership, relationship-building, and community-centered impact to this role,” said Samantha Le, President & CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Success Foundation. “His experience in education, philanthropy, and program leadership aligns perfectly with our mission to create economic prosperity through education, advocacy, and collaboration. I am excited to welcome De’Andre as a key leader who will help us strengthen our partnerships, expand opportunities for our workforce and businesses, and continue advancing the economic vitality of South King County.”
Jones’ leadership will help deepen the connection between the Chamber’s business community and the Success Foundation’s workforce and education initiatives, supporting programs that prepare students and jobseekers for meaningful careers while helping employers build the next generation workforce.
“I am thrilled to be joining the incredible team at the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce & Success Foundation as the next Executive Vice President,” Jones said. “Strong communities are built through collaboration, and I’m eager to partner with local leaders, employers, community partners, and educators to advance economic growth and workforce development in South King County. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation already in place and help expand initiatives that support long-term prosperity for our region.”
About the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce is a regional leader in business advocacy, workforce development, and economic growth. Serving the communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila, the Chamber connects businesses, government, and community partners to foster a thriving, inclusive local economy. Through innovative programs like the Success Foundation and partnerships with regional stakeholders, the Chamber champions opportunities that elevate the voice and success of South King County’s diverse business community.
Learn more at www.seattlesouthsidechamber.com
About the Success Foundation
The Success Foundation is the nonprofit partner of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce dedicated to advancing education and workforce development in South King County. Through programs such as the Workforce Discovery Lab, scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and career exploration initiatives, the Foundation helps connect students and jobseekers with pathways to meaningful careers.
Learn more at www.seattlesouthsidechamber.com/successfoundation
