Meet Two Port Employees Navigating Public Service with Dedication and Perseverance

Black History Month may be over, but the Port of Seattle celebrates the accomplishments of our amazing team members all year long. African Americans have played a crucial role in shaping labor history, particularly in transportation, logistics, and infrastructure. Today, the Port honors this legacy by working to advance equity in the workplace, ensuring that all employees have access to opportunities for growth, leadership, and success in the maritime and aviation industries.

Read about the journeys of two Port employees navigating public service with dedication and perseverance, and who are committed to championing equity and inclusion.

Delmas Whittaker, Director of Marine Maintenance 

Delmas Whittaker’s leadership exemplifies the critical role Black workers play in shaping industries, advancing workforce equity, and expanding economic inclusion. He has worked at the Port for the past 17 years and currently leads 154 skilled laborers and non-represented staff in Marine Maintenance. He oversees maintenance across 19 miles of waterfront and manages a fleet of more than 600 pieces of equipment that support Port operations, construction services, and the maritime industry.

Delmas’s career is built on service, expertise, and a commitment to labor equity. He joined the Port after 25 years in the U.S. Navy, holding leadership roles in Aviation Maintenance, Small Works, and Planning before moving to the Maritime division. His experience has equipped him with a broad perspective on workforce needs, labor rights, and the role of economic access in building stronger, more resilient industries.

Championing equity and inclusion

As a former president of the Port of Seattle chapter of Blacks In Government and a longtime advocate for workforce and business inclusion, Delmas has worked to expand opportunities for Black workers and small minority-owned businesses. He has helped advance participation in the Port’s Diversity in Contracting initiatives, ensuring that historically marginalized businesses gain greater access to Port contracts and procurement opportunities. Delmas also supports programs like PortGen training and networking events, which help small businesses gain the tools and confidence to compete for public sector contracts.

Building pathways for representation

At the heart of Delmas’s work is a belief that true labor equity requires both representation and access. He has seen firsthand how increased Black leadership at the Port inspires employees to see themselves in positions of influence and authority. By fostering mentorship, equitable hiring practices, and leadership development, Delmas works to ensure Black professionals and other people of color not only enter maritime and construction industries but thrive in them.

“When we ask for representation, no one is asking anyone to lower their standards. I can’t emphasize that enough. What we’re asking is to find more opportunities for those who are incredibly qualified and to think beyond our preconceptions of what it looks like to be qualified.” – Delmas Whittaker

Delmas believes progress comes through action: intentional hiring, equitable business practices, and a commitment to creating pathways for underrepresented workers and businesses. Through his leadership, the Port continues to move toward a future where opportunity and equity are at the core of its mission.

Sean McDonald, Facilities Specialist at Pier 69

As a facilities specialist at Pier 69, Sean McDonald helps keep operations running smoothly every day. He manages projects, coordinates events, triages work orders, and supports the Facilities Management and Marine Maintenance teams. His dedication to public service, operational excellence, and sustainability reflects the resilience and determination that define Black contributions to the workforce.

Sean plans to continue growing his career in public service while pursuing a degree in sustainability. He remains committed to making an impact at the Port and in the broader community.

Career journey

Sean brings extensive experience in residential property and project management to his role at the Port. In previous positions, he managed large apartment complexes, oversaw renovations, advanced sustainability initiatives, and handled financial and compliance responsibilities — all while maintaining a positive, service-oriented approach.

Contributions at the Port

Sean has supported many improvements and initiatives at Pier 69, including:

• Serving as the main facilities contact for the Pier 69 Wi-Fi upgrade
• Supporting the Change Team’s Facilitation group
• Contributing to the success of many events hosted at Pier 69.

Life outside of work

Sean enjoys attending soccer matches, exploring the world by plane or train, trying new restaurants, and discovering music from local and international artists. He also enjoys time with his family, friends, and his cat, Beans.

Navigating challenges

Sean has learned the importance of perseverance in navigating the workforce and advocating for empowerment. Early in his career as a leasing consultant, he built strong relationships with trusted coworkers while developing new skills to thrive in a fast-changing environment. Later, as a travel administrator, he occasionally encountered individuals who underestimated him. He never let those perceptions hinder his work, instead focusing on performing with excellence and overcoming objections through action.

Mentors and advice for others

Sean credits Andrea Clayton, his first supervisor in multifamily residential management, as a key mentor. She led by example, took on challenges directly, and shared the experiences of those working in the trades. As a young woman of color in leadership, she showed Sean how to teach and lead with integrity.

As a mentor himself, Sean encourages others to:

• Take time to learn and grow alongside your colleagues
• Address issues promptly when possible and reach out for help if needed
• Take chances on projects that may seem beyond your current scope — they’re opportunities to test and discover your potential

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