Rob Johnson – Executive Director @ Seattle Center Foundation
Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with the Seattle Center Foundation on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new Executive Director.
Seattle Center Foundation (SCF) is excited about Rob Johnson joining as a dynamic and civic-minded Executive Director to guide their organization through a period of bold transformation. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Seattle’s most iconic and meaningful civic institutions into its next chapter—anchored by a $100M endowment campaign, deepening public-private partnerships, and renewed citywide alignment.
Seattle Center is a place of profound cultural memory and aspiration. Home to the Space Needle, Climate Pledge Arena, McCaw Hall and over 30 arts and civic organizations, it has long served as a vibrant crossroads for community, culture, celebration, and treasured events. As we enter a once-in-a-generation moment of investment and imagination, SCF is poised to elevate its role from behind-the-scenes support to catalytic leadership. The next Executive Director will carry that vision forward.
Founded in 1977, Seattle Center Foundation exists to support the mission and future of Seattle Center. Historically, SCF has raised and stewarded funds for beloved programs like Festál, Winterfest, and the Seattle/King County Clinic, while advocating for inclusive access and public celebration.
Seattle Centerhasn’t undergone this kind of civic transformation since it was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. The City, civic leaders, and the Seattle Center Foundation are aligned behind a vision to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable campus—one that reflects the full promise of a shared public commons in a growing and diverse city.
With just four staff members today, the Foundation is embarking on a period of organizational growth—expanding its fundraising capacity, communications infrastructure, and leadership reach. This evolution is supported by strong board leadership, a clear strategic framework, and deep alignment with the City of Seattle and the Department of Seattle Center.
This retained executive search project was led by Scott Rabinowitz/Partner and Ross Fletcher/Partner.
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