Washington Filmworks is pleased to announce that Governor Jay Inslee has appointed John Cooper to represent the Convention and Visitors Bureau position on Washington Filmworks’ Board of Directors. (Each of the positions on the Board of Directors represents a different industry or sector of the state economy that is impacted by film production.) Cooper’s appointment is effective immediately.

John Cooper is President & CEO of Yakima Valley Tourism where he oversees a multi-faceted tourism promotion organization for the region that manages the Yakima Convention Center, Sports Commission, and Visitor Information Center. John Cooper has also been Washington Filmworks’ official film liaison in Yakima for many years, helping to facilitate production filming in the area and advocating for film with local elected officials. Prior to that he was the CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Throughout his tenure in Washington state he has been actively involved in destination advocacy and marketing, including serving on state and multi-state tourism boards and associations.

Cooper replaces Kim Bennett in this position. Washington Filmworks would like to thank Kim for her years of service to the organization.