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 this week introduced an outstanding group of new professionals joining its team, bringing fresh expertise, leadership, and energy to drive business success and community impact.
As the Chamber continues its mission to empower businesses through education, advocacy, and collaboration, these new additions will enhance engagement, streamline operations, and strengthen business support throughout South King County.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Chamber and the business community we serve,” said Samantha Le, President and CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce. “With this dynamic team, we are strengthening our ability to support local businesses, foster economic growth, and create meaningful opportunities for connection and collaboration. We invite everyone to meet our new team, engage with us, and be a part of shaping the future of our region together.”
Here are the new team members:
Adem Hayyu
Administrative Support Specialist
A seasoned event producer and logistics expert, Hayyu has successfully managed concerts, festivals, and large-scale community events. With extensive experience in operations and client relations, Adem will play a key role in streamlining office processes and ensuring Chamber programs run efficiently.
Andrea Smith
HR Consultant
Smith is a People & Culture strategist specializing in HR transformation, DE&I, and AI workforce compliance. With a decade of experience in organizational strategy and workforce planning, she is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and optimizing HR operations.
Brea Davis
Executive Consultant
Davis brings over 15 years of experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and capacity building. She has worked with businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs to transform vision into impact. In her role, Davis will provide executive coaching and strategic guidance to enhance the Chamber’s programs and partnerships.
Zak Nyberg
Membership and Business Outreach Specialist
With a strong background in business development and community engagement, Nyberg joins the Chamber after working with startup founders at Venture Mechanics. A West Seattle native, he is passionate about building meaningful connections and supporting the region’s economic growth. Beyond his professional work, Nyberg enjoys scuba diving, traveling, and volunteering with the Flying Heritage Museum and Alki Community Council.
Alongside these new additions, the Chamber’s dedicated team continues to drive forward its mission of business and community empowerment. The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering a thriving business environment where companies of all sizes can connect, grow, and succeed. By advocating for policies that support economic development, providing essential resources to businesses, and creating opportunities for professional networking and collaboration, the Chamber serves as a key driver of prosperity in South King County.
Through its ongoing work in workforce development, small business support, and regional advocacy, the Chamber’s team remains focused on ensuring businesses have the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Whether through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, or community engagement efforts, the Chamber continues to act as a powerful force for economic vitality. At the core of this work is a team of dedicated professionals who bring expertise, passion, and a deep commitment to serving the business community.
Samantha Le
President and CEO
As the Chamber’s leader, Samantha Le continues to champion inclusive economic growth, workforce development, and small business success throughout South King County.
Max Gitelman
Events Operations Specialist
Since rejoining the Chamber in 2023, Max has led event logistics and community engagement efforts, ensuring impactful and successful Chamber events.
Leyna Thach
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Leyna, a former Workforce Discovery Lab student, now plays a key role in marketing and outreach efforts, helping amplify the Chamber’s programs and connect with businesses.
Meet the New Team at Mixer on Wednesday, Mar. 19
The Chamber is inviting local business owners, community members, and stakeholders to meet the new team at the upcoming Mixer on Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 — an evening of networking, collaboration, and celebration.
WHEN: Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025, from 4 – 6 p.m.
WHERE: Maxi’s Lounge at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport, 18740 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188
RSVP HERE:
Seattle Southside Chamber March Mixer
“Join us for an engaging evening where you can connect with the Chamber’s new and continuing team members and celebrate the future of our business community.”
For more details on how to connect with the new team, visit Seattle Southside Chamber Staff.
Photos courtesy Crain Photography.
About the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce:
The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and advocating for businesses in Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila. Through strategic partnerships, educational programming, and business advocacy, the Chamber fosters equitable economic growth and strengthens the local business community. For more info, click here.
