The City of Seattle is launching a search for the next Seattle Center Director to succeed Robert Nellams, who is retiring in February 2023 after 40 years of service to the people of Seattle.
Nellams has directed Seattle Center since his mayoral appointment in 2006. He is the longest-serving department head in the City of Seattle. Nellams began his 40-year career with City government as an accountant in the Department of Administrative Services before moving to Seattle Center as Director of Patron Services in 1996 and Deputy Director in 1998.
“Robert Nellams’ decades of devoted public service to the people of our city should be celebrated and commended,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Under his leadership, Seattle Center has become a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant place – making our One Seattle ideals accessible to our entire region through the successful opening of Climate Pledge Arena, countless cultural and artistic events, and partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups built on trust. Robert’s commitment to innovation at the historic Seattle Center – and his love for the people who work there – is unmatched.”
During his time as Director, Nellams has revitalized and redeveloped Seattle Center, welcoming many organizations that contribute to the livability and economy of the region through the performing arts, family activities, free public programming, and professional and collegiate sports. His Seattle Center legacy welcomed lasting partnerships with the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Seattle International Film Festival, radio station KEXP, Cornish College of the Arts, Opera Center, and PrideFest onto the grounds, as well as negotiating the redevelopment of KeyArena to Climate Pledge Arena.
Nellams was integral in securing new producing partners for the upcoming return of the Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival and has led efforts to bring Seattle/King County Clinic to Seattle Center. In its first five years, the four-day dental, vision, and medical clinic served 19,950 patients with a broad range of free healthcare services. Nellams is a member of the Board of Directors for the Northwest African American Museum and was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Central Washington University. His retirement from the City is effective February 15, 2023.
“It has been the joy of my professional life to work for a place that strives to honor and welcome every guest, give them a sense of belonging, fulfill their passions, and bring hundreds of partners together as One Seattle,” said Nellams. “For me, the best part has been working with such an incredible group of co-workers, partners, and resident organizations who make Seattle Center special, vibrant, and clearly the heart of our city. I want to thank Mayor Harrell for asking me to stay on to see firsthand a rebirth of our city over the last year. Special thanks to all the mayors, councilmembers, and city staff I have had the pleasure of working with over my 40 years serving the community. Thank you.”
An eight-member committee of local arts, business, and philanthropic leaders will search for the next permanent Seattle Center Director. The members of the search committee are Maria Barrientos, Mark Dederer, Michael Greer, Jeffrey Herrmann, Joy Shigaki, Ellen Walker, Mary Wideman-Williams, and Sung Yang.
