APEX Everett in Downtown Everett. Photo by Christine Mitchell
New APEX CEO, Ryan Crowther. Photo by Christine Mitchell
APEX Everett, the downtown Everett destination home to 16Eleven Restaurant, Kings Hall, El Sid, and AMGRAF, today announced that Ryan Crowther has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2026.
In his new role, Crowther will oversee the organization’s strategic vision and growth, including entertainment programming, marketing, sponsorships, partnerships, business development, fundraising, and community engagement across APEX Everett’s expanding portfolio of hospitality, entertainment, and cultural initiatives.
Crowther brings nearly 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, nightlife and arts programming, event production, nonprofit leadership, and executive management. His career has been defined by building organizations, creating community through arts and entertainment, and developing partnerships that generate long-term impact.
“Ryan is uniquely qualified for this role,” said Johnny Carswell, founder and owner of APEX Everett. “When I started thinking about who could help lead APEX into its next chapter, Ryan was honestly the first—and really the only—person who came to mind. What we’re building here isn’t just a restaurant or a music venue. It’s a hospitality business, an entertainment company, an event destination, and a nonprofit arts initiative all working together under one roof. Finding someone who understands all of those worlds is incredibly rare.
“Ryan has spent his career bringing people together, building organizations, producing events, creating partnerships, and helping communities grow. He has the vision, experience, and leadership skills to manage something with this many moving parts, and more importantly, he genuinely believes in Everett and what this city can become. I’m excited to welcome him into this role and see what we can accomplish together.”
As CEO, Crowther will lead the continued growth of Kings Hall, APEX Everett’s 850-capacity entertainment venue located on the third floor of the building. The venue has emerged as one of Snohomish County’s most exciting spaces for concerts, private events, corporate gatherings, and community celebrations.
A major focus of Crowther’s work will be expanding Kings Hall’s live entertainment calendar while growing private rentals and event opportunities. His goal is to continue attracting both nationally touring artists and the Pacific Northwest’s top regional talent while establishing Kings Hall as a premier destination for live music and events.
That work builds upon a relationship already years in the making. Since the first APEX Everett event in February 2023, Everett Music Initiative has partnered with APEX Everett to present concerts and entertainment programming at Kings Hall. Through that partnership, Crowther and Carswell have developed a shared vision for how the venue can become a cultural anchor for downtown Everett and a destination for audiences throughout the region.
In addition to overseeing entertainment operations, Crowther will support the continued growth of 16Eleven Restaurant, working alongside Executive Chef Mike Im and General Manager Cameron McCaffree. Widely regarded as one of the region’s premier dining destinations, 16Eleven has become known for its elevated culinary program, hospitality, and commitment to quality.
Crowther will also oversee El Sid, APEX Everett’s cocktail bar and 250-capacity event venue. El Sid hosts programming six nights a week, including live blues on Mondays, Music Trivia on Tuesdays, the Everett Music Initiative Open Mic on Wednesdays, and karaoke Thursdays through Saturdays. Under Crowther’s leadership, El Sid will continue to evolve as one of downtown Everett’s most active and community-focused gathering spaces.
Beyond the hospitality and entertainment divisions of APEX Everett, Crowther will also help guide the vision, operations, partnerships, and fundraising efforts of AMGRAF, the American Graffiti & Urban Art Conservation Project.
AMGRAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and activating the legacy of graffiti and urban art. Based in Everett, the organization works at the intersection of cultural preservation, public access, education, and community-centered learning. Through exhibitions, collections, public programs, artist engagement, and preservation initiatives, AMGRAF seeks to document and celebrate a global art movement that has influenced contemporary culture for more than five decades.
“I knew I wanted to come back home to Everett and dedicate the next chapter of my career to helping shape the future of the city that helped shape me,” said Crowther. “This opportunity felt like a natural fit because it brings together so many of the things I’ve spent my career working on and care deeply about.”
“What Johnny has built at APEX is truly unique. It’s hospitality. It’s live music. It’s arts and culture. It’s community building. It’s nonprofit leadership. It’s economic development. And it’s all happening in one organization with almost no ceiling to continue growing it. Those are challenges I love, and I’m incredibly excited to work alongside Johnny, Amanda and the entire team as we continue building something special for Everett and our region.”
Crowther is perhaps best known as the founder of Everett Music Initiative, the nonprofit arts organization he launched in 2012. Under his leadership, the organization has produced nearly 1,000 concerts, festivals, community events, and cultural programs while helping establish Everett as one of the region’s emerging destinations for arts and entertainment. Crowther will continue leading as the Board Chair of Everett Music Initiative and continue to oversee its events like Music at the Marina, Rock the Boat and its ongoing partnerships and programming.
Most recently, Crowther served as President and CEO of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, where he led the organization through a period of transformation, growth, and long-term sustainability.
During his four-year tenure, he restored the Chamber’s financial strength through membership growth, expanded programming, and diversified revenue streams. Membership increased by more than 130 businesses and organizations while the organization established a balanced budget and significant financial reserves. He also strengthened key partnerships throughout the region, including a successful collaboration with the City of Edmonds that brought management of Explore Edmonds under the Chamber’s leadership and elevated the city’s profile as a premier visitor destination.
His track record of organizational growth, financial stewardship, partnership development, fundraising success, and community leadership reflects the experience and vision he now brings to APEX Everett.
As APEX Everett enters its next phase of growth, Crowther’s appointment signals a continued commitment to creating exceptional experiences, strengthening community connections, supporting arts and culture, and positioning downtown Everett as a destination for residents and visitors alike.
The Port of Everett and Schack Art Center’s Float Find 2026 starts tomorrow, July 10th and continues through August 28th, featuring a free, eight-week-long treasure quest in search of one-of-a-kind, locally blown glass floats hidden around the Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place and Jetty Island destinations.at Waterfront Place and Jetty Island.
In total, over 200 unique glass floats will be hidden for the public to find. The floats will be hidden every Friday. 10 shoreside at Waterfront Place and 20 beachside at Jetty Island.
July 10, 2026
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