Visit Seattle Welcomes Kennedy James as Vice President of Talent & Culture

Devoted people and operations strategist of 20 years joins Visit Seattle today

SEATTLE – Visit Seattle has hired Kennedy James as Vice President of Talent & Culture, effective March 27, 2023. In her new role, James will work alongside the Visit Seattle executive team to develop and lead the destination marketing organization’s (DMO) culture, DE&I, recruiting, and benefits programs to ensure an equitable, inclusive and innovative work environment.  

Reflecting on James’s hiring, Visit Seattle President & CEO Tammy Canavan, FCDME, says, “We recognize we are operating in a competitive job market. Kennedy’s hiring is a strategic investment to make Visit Seattle an employer of choice that gives team members the tools to reach new heights. Our people generate incredible benefits for the city we call home. We strive to continue this legacy by cultivating inventive, talented professionals while creating an environment where our team can feel inspired and supported to perform at their absolute best.”  

James comes to Visit Seattle with 20 years of forward-thinking experience empowering individuals and organizations alike to generate transformative change. Most recently, James held the role of Chief Officer of People and Operations at the Seattle-based Gottman Institute where she led the design and implementation of people and culture across the talent life cycle. She is a first-generation college graduate who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Washington before continuing on to become a doctoral candidate in education at Oregon State University. 

On joining the Visit Seattle team, James says, “I am thrilled to be joining the award-winning team at Visit Seattle. I have been proud to call the Puget Sound home for decades, and so bringing my talent and heart to the service of showcasing its astonishing beauty and cultural heritage is a privilege. I look forward to working with the team.” 

Outside of the office, James loves travel, delicious food, music, the arts, and hanging out with friends.  The two loves of her life are her canine companions Sammy and Lucas.  

A headshot of James is available here. 

About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.