SEATTLE—The Port of Seattle Commission has launched a public process to find a new Executive Director to lead the organization in its mission to create jobs, stimulate economic development and protect the environment.
The Commissioners are seeking input from the public, customers and employees about the qualities and experience desired in a new leader. An electronic survey is available to provide feedback until June 23. The Port Commission has retained a local executive search firm, Herd Freed Hartz, to conduct a regional search and anticipates hiring a new leader this fall.
“The Port of Seattle is one of our region’s greatest public assets, and we want our next executive leader to have a strong public service ethic. We encourage the public to be a part of this process from the very beginning” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoire, who joins Commissioner Fred Felleman as co-chair of the hiring selection process.
“The Executive Director will lead the Port staff and execute the Commission’s vision that Port assets generate strong financial returns while creating economic opportunities that are socially responsible and broadly shared throughout the region and protecting our environment. Selection of a publicly minded new executive committed to these priorities is essential to the Port’s long-term success in serving the diverse communities of King County,” Gregoire said.
The Port of Seattle is a growth-oriented organization of around 1,800 employees with a $1 billion budget. Priorities for the Executive Director will include overseeing the expansion of Sea-Tac International Airport in the coming decade, supporting the North Pacific Fishing Fleet worth billions in economic activity, and a thriving cruise business handling over one-million revenue passengers a year. The Port also is expanding its leadership in training workers for careers in the maritime, industrial and aviation sectors.
About Herd Freed Hartz
Established in 2001, Herd Freed Hartz is a Seattle-based executive search firm focusing on key executive hires in the private, public and non-profit sectors for leading Northwest organizations. Herd Freed Hartz was recently named one of America’s Best Executive Search Firms and the top firm in the Northwest by Forbes Magazine. For more information: www.herdfreedhartz.com
About the Port of Seattle
ounded in 1911, The Port owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, two cruise ship terminals, Fishermen’s Terminal—home of the North Pacific fishing fleet, one grain terminal, a public cargo terminal, four public marinas, and manages a number of real estate assets for financial return and economic advantage. The Port also owns the Seattle-based container terminal properties managed by The Northwest Seaport Alliance. The port’s operations currently help create nearly 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in wages throughout the region. Over the next 20 years, the port’s “Century Agenda” seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port. Learn more at www.portseattle.org
