DSA Strengthens Leadership With Addition of Three executives

SEATTLE, Nov. 25, 2025 — The Downtown Seattle Association is excited to announce the addition of three senior leaders who will guide key areas of the organization’s work to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all: Matt Gurney, chief operating officer; Chris Copacino, vice president of communications and marketing; and Dennis Sills, vice president of advocacy and economic development.

“These three additions to our executive team bring a wealth of experience, creativity and commitment to downtown Seattle,” DSA President & CEO Jon Scholes said. “As we settle into our new home at Second Avenue and Pine Street, their leadership will be essential in continuing to deliver on our mission and shaping the future of our city center.” 

Gurney, Copacino and Sills join Scholes; Jennifer Casillas, VP, public realm & ambassador operations; Emily Bailor, chief of staff; and Alex Hudson, executive director of Commute Seattle, on the executive team.

Gurney, who joined DSA in May as COO, oversees financial, human resources, regulatory and administrative functions for the organization. He spent much of his career in the social enterprise and nonprofit space, serving for more than 20 years in senior leadership roles with FareStart in downtown Seattle. Most recently, he served as CEO of Fort Worden Hospitality. 

“I’m excited to be part of a team that’s passionate about ensuring downtown Seattle remains welcoming and full of opportunity,” said Gurney, who along with Bailor has been instrumental in coordinating DSA/MID’s move to Second and Pine. “Our new home, right in the heart of downtown, represents the energy and optimism that defines this organization.” 

Copacino, who took over as VP of communications and marketing in September, leads DSA’s external communications, brand strategy and marketing efforts. Copacino, a Seattleite, most recently served as executive director of business development for ad agency Copacino Fujikado, where he spent more than 21 years. He has worked with some of the region’s most recognizable brands, including REI, the Seattle Mariners, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

“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.” 

Sills, who joined DSA earlier this month, brings two decades of experience in government relations and public policy, most recently serving as director of external affairs at Plymouth Housing. Sills also worked for Congresswoman Suzan DelBene after spending 10 years in Washington, D.C., serving as legislative director for 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.”

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. 

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About the Downtown Seattle Association 

Established in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. By advocating on issues including transportation, economic development and the urban experience, DSA works to ensure that downtown remains a great place to live, work, shop and play for all. DSA also manages the Metropolitan Improvement District, a business-improvement area spanning 300 square blocks downtown.