Bellevue Chamber's New CEO Is Joe Fain, Lawmaker Accused Of Rape

BELLEVUE, WA - The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce has hired a former Auburn state senator who was accused of rape as its new CEO. Joe Fain was selected for the job after a nationwide search, the chamber said in a press release.

Candace Faber, a former city of Seattle employee, went public last fall with a claim that Fain raped her in a Washington, D.C., hotel room in 2007. Fain denied the allegations and asked for the state Legislature to launch a full investigation - an effort that was eventually scrapped.

“Joe has a proven track record of collaborative leadership in both government and business, and we believe he is uniquely suited to help lead the Chamber as we foster and advocate for a healthy business environment in Bellevue and the Eastside,” Bellevue Chamber Board Chair Josh Marti said in a press release. “As CEO, Joe will spearhead the Chamber’s efforts as a convener as we look forward to providing even greater service to our members and stakeholders.”

Bellevue Councilwoman Jennifer Robertson said Fain would be an "effective advocate for Bellevue’s business community."

Fain narrowly lost in November, defeated by Renton businesswoman Mona Das by just under 1,000 votes.

Caption: Fain listens as Senate floor debate over paid family leave continues into the night on June 30, 2017, at the Capitol in Olympia. The Senate approved a paid family leave program Friday that offers workers paid time off for the birth or adoption of a child or the serious medical condition of the worker or the worker's family member.

AP Photo/Ted S. Warren