Pearse Edwards

Senior Director of External Relations

Policy and External Relations Leader

Pearse brings 25 years of experience in public and external affairs in both the private and public sectors. He has developed a diverse and effective policy portfolio serving in senior roles for three state Governors: Locke (WA), Gregoire (WA), and Perdue (NC). For the private sector, Pearse worked in corporate citizenship at Microsoft and for national public affairs and strategic communications firms. In the 1990s, he helped implement privatization of state-owned enterprises in the Russian Federation while working for the International Finance Corporation, a division of the World Bank.

Strong Policy and Communications Skills

Pearse’s work includes wide-ranging experience in public affairs, government relations, issues and policy management, media relations, and crisis communications. He is a cool head in times of crisis and strives to manage difficult issues and negotiations with care, intelligence, and purpose.

Broad Perspective on Washington State

Pearse’s experience in Washington, North Carolina, and Russia give him a rich perspective on growth and governance. Pearse was hired at the Port as Government Relations Director, with oversight and execution of the Port’s legislative and policy priorities at the local, regional, state and federal levels of government. As Acting Director of Public Affairs, Edwards is responsible for directing strategy for Communications, Government Relations, Community Engagement, Regional Transportation, Capital Project Delivery, and the Office of Social Responsibility.

Education and Recognition

• Bachelor’s Degree, Appalachian State University, History
• Leadership NC Graduate
• Order of the Long Leaf Pine (NC)