SEATTLE, WA — Today, Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced the appointment of Randy Engstrom as the next Director of Seattle Center, one of the region’s most important civic and cultural gathering places.
Engstrom brings decades of experience in arts, culture, and public policy, including serving as Director of the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. He has helped shape Seattle’s cultural landscape and built strong partnerships across the community.
“Seattle Center is where people come together across neighborhoods and communities to experience what makes this city special,” said Mayor Wilson. “Randy understands that, and he understands what it takes to support the artists, organizations, and staff who make that possible. I have full confidence in his leadership as we build what comes next.”
Engstrom will begin in the role on Monday, March 30.
“I’m honored to return to City service under Mayor Wilson’s leadership,” said Engstrom. “Seattle Center has long served as the civic and cultural heart of our city — a place that reflects our shared imagination and brings people together. It has shaped my experience of Seattle over the 30 years I’ve called it home, through both major cultural moments and everyday connections.
There’s been sustained, thoughtful work to build a shared vision for the Center, led by dedicated staff, partners, and community advocates. I look forward to working alongside them to steward a strong and inclusive future for this campus.”
Mayor Wilson also thanked Diamatris Winston for his leadership as interim director during the transition.
“I want to thank Diamatris Winston for his steady leadership and commitment to Seattle Center during this transition,” said Mayor Wilson. “His work has helped ensure continuity and care for this important public space.”
What People Are Saying
“Having worked with Randy Engstrom for a number of years on behalf of our cultural community, I’m excited that someone with his experience, passion, and creative approach has been appointed as Acting Director of Seattle Center. His collaborative and inclusive work style will bring strong leadership at this pivotal moment for Seattle Center.”
– Vivian Phillips, Founder, Arte Noir
“This is an exciting moment for both Randy and Seattle Center. His proven track record speaks for itself, and I’m confident he will drive meaningful progress and continued success as Director.”
– Mark Dederer, Director, Philanthropic Services, Hohimer Wealth Management, and Chair, Seattle Center Advisory Commission
“It’s a great sign to see Randy assume the directorship of Seattle Center, a landmark for Seattle arts, culture, and innovation. His ability to weave policy knowledge, artist and cultural institution feedback, and a creative ecosystem framework into clear strategy and vision is remarkable.
During his time as Director of the Office of Arts & Culture, we saw his ability to navigate policy and community with care and purpose, and I was honored to work alongside him as a co-lead on the Mayor’s transition team. I can’t think of a better choice for the city than to have him at the helm of this storied institution.”
– Benjamin Hunter, Musician; Creative/Cultural Agent; Artistic Director, NW Folklife
“Randy Engstrom has been foundational in shaping both LANGSTON and the broader arts and cultural landscape of Seattle. From the beginning, he has modeled leadership grounded in vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to community. His focus on equity and cultural policy builds the bridges needed for a thriving Seattle.
Randy has been a steady and visionary leader whose impact on Seattle’s cultural landscape cannot be overstated. I’ve experienced his support personally over the years, and it has had a lasting impact on both my leadership and our organization. While we will miss his presence on our board, I’m excited to see how his collaborative spirit will continue to shape Seattle Center and the city as a whole. This next chapter feels fitting and full of possibility.”
– Ebony Arunga, Executive Director, LANGSTON Seattle
“Randy’s intentionality in building a bold, shared vision for a thriving cultural landscape is exactly what Seattle Center and our communities need at this moment. He understands the vibrant mix of culture on campus — from arts and entertainment to youth development, workforce opportunity, and civic life — and has shown a strong ability to activate the city’s ‘third spaces’ to their full potential.”
– Reese Tanimura, Folklife; The Royal Room
“Randy Engstrom is a visionary, creative leader and a great fit to lead Seattle Center. He understands Seattle’s cultural landscape and the immense value that arts, sports and entertainment bring to our City. Seattle Center has long been our cultural heart, and a beloved place where memories are made. I have no doubt that Seattle Center will continue to grow and thrive under Randy’s leadership.”
– Marshall Foster, former Seattle Center Director
About Randy
Randy Engstrom has been a passionate advocate and organizer of cultural and community development for over 20 years. He is currently the owner and principal of Third Way Creative, a collaborative consulting studio focused on cultural policy, racial equity, and creative economy. Their clients have included Creative West, Grantmakers in the Arts, Friends of Waterfront Park, and the Cities of Seattle, Indianapolis, and Ottawa, Canada. He is also Adjunct Faculty at the Seattle University Arts Leadership Program teaching cultural policy and advocacy, and regular lecturer at the Evan’s School of Governance and Public Policy at the University of Washington. Most recently he served as Director of the Office of Arts and Culture for the City of Seattle where he expanded their investments in granting programs and Public Art, while establishing new programs and policies in arts education, cultural space affordability, and racial equity. He also led several multi-department subcabinets, including Affordability and Livability, Youth Opportunity, Future of Work, and COVID Recovery. He served as Chair of the Seattle Arts Commission in 2011 and was Chair of the Facilities and Economic Development Committee from 2006 to 2010. Before joining the City he owned Reflex Strategies, a cultural and community-based consulting practice. From 2005-2010 Engstrom was the Founding Director of the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, a multimedia and multidisciplinary community space. In 2009 Randy received the Emerging Leader Award from Americans for the Arts and was one of Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. He is a graduate of The Evergreen State College, and holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Governance and Public Policy.
About Seattle Center — The Cultural Heart of the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Center is a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place in the heart of Seattle and home to more than 30 partner organizations, including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, MOPOP, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Pacific Science Center, SIFF, and many others. Anchored by world-class attractions, historic venues, public art, and a dynamic calendar of free and affordable events centered around the iconic International Fountain, Seattle Center brings together arts, culture, sports, and community year-round.
As a department of the City of Seattle and anchor of the Uptown Arts and Cultural District, Seattle Center serves residents from across the Puget Sound region alongside visitors from around the world.
In partnership with Friends of Waterfront Park, Seattle Center provides operations, maintenance, and public safety services for Waterfront Park, while Friends leads park experience, programming, and stewardship along Seattle’s downtown waterfront.
Seattle Center welcomes 11 to 12 million visits annually, generating more than $1 billion in visitor spending, contributing more than $2 billion in regional economic impact, and supporting more than 18,600 jobs.
With the support of our Official Partners — Alaska Airlines, The Climate Pledge, Coors Light, Pepsi, Symetra, T-Mobile, and WaFd Bank — Seattle Center is the #1 most-visited arts and cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact Information
Sage Wilson
Phone: 206-889-0277
Email: sage.wilson@seatte.gov
