DSA Bolsters Executive Team With Three New Senior Leaders

As the Downtown Seattle Association settles into its new home at Second Avenue and Pine Street, the organization has strengthened its leadership team with the addition of three executive leaders dedicated to advancing a healthy, vibrant downtown: Matt Gurney, Chris Copacino and Dennis Sills.

Gurney joined DSA in May as chief operating officer, overseeing the organization’s financial, HR, regulatory and administrative functions. With more than two decades in social enterprise and nonprofit leadership — including senior roles at FareStart and most recently as CEO of Fort Worden Hospitality — Gurney brings deep experience in mission-driven operations. He has also played a key role, alongside Chief of Staff Emily Bailor, in coordinating the DSA/MID’s move to its new headquarters.

“I’m excited to be part of a team that’s passionate about ensuring downtown Seattle remains welcoming and full of opportunity,” Gurney said. “Our new home, right in the heart of downtown, represents the energy and optimism that defines this organization.”

In September, Copacino stepped in as vice president of communications and marketing, guiding DSA’s brand strategy and external communications. A longtime Seattleite, Copacino spent more than 21 years at Copacino Fujikado ad agency, where he worked with some of the region’s most iconic brands — from REI and the Seattle Mariners to Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium.

“There’s so much momentum building downtown,” Copacino said. “It’s an honor to help tell that story and share the purposeful work DSA and our partners are doing to make downtown stronger than ever.”

Rounding out the new additions is Sills, DSA’s new vice president of advocacy and economic development. Sills brings two decades of experience in public policy and government relations, including senior roles at Plymouth Housing and in the offices of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and Congressman G.K. Butterfield.

“I’m looking forward to collaborating with community, business and government partners to advance policies that strengthen downtown’s economic foundation,” Sills said. “Seattle’s urban core is vital to the health of our entire region.”

Gurney, Copacino and Sills join President & CEO Jon Scholes and the existing executive leadership team: Jennifer Casillas, VP of public realm & ambassador operations; Bailor; and Alex Hudson, executive director of Commute Seattle.

With these hires, DSA continues to deepen its leadership capacity and commitment to serving members, businesses, ratepayers, residents and visitors. DSA has begun the process of developing a 10-year vision for downtown — in partnership with the community — creating a shared roadmap that will guide future investment and ensure a healthy, vibrant downtown for all.