SEATTLE – Mayor Katie B. Wilson appointed Beto Yarce as the next director for the Seattle Office of Economic Development. Yarce began his new post Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
OED leads projects and invests in initiatives that expand access to economic opportunities, reduce the racial wealth gap, and encourage innovation and growth. “I could not be more excited about the talent and expertise of the people who have stepped up to lead city departments, and I know that together, this team will be able to accomplish extraordinary things,” said Mayor Wilson. “I look forward to working with Beto Yarce at the Office of Economic Development.”
“Seattle is the economic center of our region, and what happens in and around Seattle reaches the far corners of our state, and beyond,” said Yarce. “I am incredibly honored by Mayor Wilson’s trust in me to lead OED and to help shape the economic ecosystems that make Seattle not only a great place to live, work, and play, but also the best place in the country to open, run, and grow a business.”
Yarce brings extensive experience as a business executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing economic equity and entrepreneurship. Fluent in English and Spanish, he has over 15 years of experience driving growth and impact across the business, nonprofit, and public sectors. Appointed by former President Joe Biden as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration Region 10, Yarce supported more than 1.3 million small businesses through expanded access to capital, counseling, and federal contracting opportunities.
“Having collaborated with OED for more than 15 years, this role represents a remarkable opportunity to continue advancing the work I dedicated my career to – building a more equitable economy and expanding opportunities for small businesses and underserved communities,” said Yarce.
Yarce is excited to hit the ground running, focusing on listening, learning, and building strong relationships with departments, community partners, and the business ecosystem. He plans to strengthen programs that support small businesses, expand access to capital, and increase pathways to entrepreneurship, especially in historically underserved communities. As he engages with our partners and community stakeholders, Yarce plans to advance a clear, measurable strategy that builds wealth from the bottom up, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and positions Seattle as a national leader in equitable economic development.
The next step in the appointment process is confirmation from the Seattle City Council.
What people are saying
Ryan Calkins, Commissioner, Port of Seattle
“Having worked closely with Beto over many years, I’m thrilled that Mayor Wilson has asked him to lead OED. Beto has a proven track record of successful economic development working with small businesses that serve as the heartbeat of our city to larger businesses employing thousands of workers throughout the region. Just as important, his own experience as an entrepreneur will guide the City’s efforts to expand business opportunities for people from every community.”
Laura Clise, Founder and CEO, Intentionalist
“Intentionalist has worked with Seattle’s Office of Economic Development for many years, and we believe that Beto will be an asset to the organization. He brings a combination of lived experience and institutional knowledge. He has been a small business owner himself, led Ventures in providing capital and technical assistance to micro-businesses, and represented the region’s small business community at the federal level through the SBA. He understands the challenges facing diverse small business owners because he has experienced them firsthand. Beto has also built trusted relationships across sectors that will serve him well in this role, and I look forward to continuing our work with the Office of Economic Development under his leadership.”
Ilona Lohrey, President and CEO, GSBA
“Beto is an exceptional leader who brings a rare combination of business acumen, community insight, and a deep passion for creating economic opportunity for all. He understands that a thriving economy is built on inclusion and that when small businesses, diverse entrepreneurs, and underserved communities have the tools and support they need to succeed, the entire city benefits. We have seen firsthand Beto’s ability to build trust across sectors, to listen to the needs of business owners and community members alike, and to turn that understanding into meaningful action. GSBA looks forward to working closely with Beto and the staff of OED to advance policies and programs that foster equitable economic growth across our region.”
Michelle Merriweather, President and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
“I am excited to see Beto Yarce step into this role at such an important time for Seattle’s economic future. Beto understands that true economic development must include and uplift the communities that have historically been left out. He understands that economic development is not just about numbers, it is about people, families, and the dreams of entrepreneurs who power our neighborhoods. I am excited for his leadership and confident that he will work to build an economy that is inclusive, resilient, and reflective of Seattle’s diverse communities.”
Beto Yarce comienza como director en funciones de la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico de Seattle
SEATTLE – La alcaldesa Katie B. Wilson nombró a Beto Yarce como el próximo director de la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico de Seattle. Yarce comenzó en su nuevo cargo el miércoles, 4 de marzo de 2026.
La Oficina de Desarrollo Económico (OED) lidera proyectos e invierte en iniciativas que amplían el acceso a las oportunidades económicas, reducen la brecha racial de riqueza y fomentan la innovación y el crecimiento. “No podría estar más entusiasmada con el talento y la experiencia de las personas que han asumido el liderazgo de los departamentos de la ciudad, y sé que juntos, este equipo será capaz de lograr cosas extraordinarias”, dijo la alcaldesa Wilson. “Espero trabajar con Beto Yarce en la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico”.
“Seattle es el centro económico de nuestra región, y lo que sucede en Seattle y sus alrededores llega hasta los rincones más alejados de nuestro estado, y más allá”, dijo Yarce. “Me siento profundamente honrado por la confianza que la alcaldesa Wilson ha depositado en mí para dirigir OED y ayudar a dar forma a los ecosistemas económicos que hacen de Seattle no sólo un gran lugar para vivir, trabajar y disfrutar, sino también el mejor lugar del país para abrir, administrar y hacer crecer un negocio”.
Yarce aporta una amplia experiencia como ejecutivo empresarial, emprendedor y líder de organizaciones sin fines de lucro dedicado a promover la equidad económica y el emprendimiento. Con dominio del inglés y el español, cuenta con más de 15 años de experiencia impulsando el crecimiento y el impacto en los sectores empresarial, no lucrativo y público. Nombrado por el expresidente Joe Biden como Administrador Regional de la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas de los Estados Unidos (U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA) Región 10, Yarce apoyó a más de 1.3 millones de pequeñas empresas mediante la ampliación del acceso a capital, asesoramiento y oportunidades de contratación federal.
“Después de colaborar con OED durante más de 15 años, este cargo representa una oportunidad extraordinaria para continuar avanzando en la labor a la que he dedicado mi carrera: construir una economía más equitativa y ampliar las oportunidades para las pequeñas empresas y las comunidades históricamente desatendidas”, dijo Yarce.
Yarce está listo para comenzar de inmediato, con un enfoque en escuchar, aprender y construir relaciones sólidas con los departamentos, socios comunitarios y el ecosistema empresarial. Planea fortalecer los programas que apoyan a las pequeñas empresas, ampliar el acceso a capital y aumentar las oportunidades de emprendimiento, especialmente en comunidades históricamente desatendidas. A medida que interactúe con nuestros socios y partes interesadas de la comunidad, Yarce tiene previsto impulsar una estrategia clara y cuantificable que genere riqueza desde la base, fomente la colaboración entre sectores y posicione a Seattle como líder nacional en desarrollo económico equitativo.
El siguiente paso en el proceso de nombramiento es la confirmación por parte del Concejo Municipal de Seattle.
Lo que dicen otras personas
Ryan Calkins, Commissioner, Port of Seattle
“Having worked closely with Beto over many years, I’m thrilled that Mayor Wilson has asked him to lead OED. Beto has a proven track record of successful economic development working with small businesses that serve as the heartbeat of our city to larger businesses employing thousands of workers throughout the region. Just as important, his own experience as an entrepreneur will guide the City’s efforts to expand business opportunities for people from every community.”
Laura Clise, Founder and CEO, Intentionalist
“Intentionalist has worked with Seattle’s Office of Economic Development for many years, and we believe that Beto will be an asset to the organization. He brings a combination of lived experience and institutional knowledge. He has been a small business owner himself, led Ventures in providing capital and technical assistance to micro-businesses, and represented the region’s small business community at the federal level through the SBA. He understands the challenges facing diverse small business owners because he has experienced them firsthand. Beto has also built trusted relationships across sectors that will serve him well in this role, and I look forward to continuing our work with the Office of Economic Development under his leadership.”
Ilona Lohrey, President and CEO, GSBA
“Beto is an exceptional leader who brings a rare combination of business acumen, community insight, and a deep passion for creating economic opportunity for all. He understands that a thriving economy is built on inclusion and that when small businesses, diverse entrepreneurs, and underserved communities have the tools and support they need to succeed, the entire city benefits. We have seen firsthand Beto’s ability to build trust across sectors, to listen to the needs of business owners and community members alike, and to turn that understanding into meaningful action. GSBA looks forward to working closely with Beto and the staff of OED to advance policies and programs that foster equitable economic growth across our region.”
Michelle Merriweather, President and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
“I am excited to see Beto Yarce step into this role at such an important time for Seattle’s economic future. Beto understands that true economic development must include and uplift the communities that have historically been left out. He understands that economic development is not just about numbers, it is about people, families, and the dreams of entrepreneurs who power our neighborhoods. I am excited for his leadership and confident that he will work to build an economy that is inclusive, resilient, and reflective of Seattle’s diverse communities.”