January 9, 2026
The Port of Seattle launched its first annual Small and Diverse Business Awards in 2025. The recognition program honors small and diverse firms whose behind-the-scenes work plays a critical role in delivering Port projects, and the large companies that show support for these firms. These awards align with the Port’s commitment to advance equity and level the playing field for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses that have historically faced systemic barriers in public contracting.
The program was created and led by members of the Aviation Project Management Group (AVPMG), in conjunction with the Port’s Change Team, which focuses on equity, inclusion, and organizational change and includes members of the Diversity in Contracting department and Central Procurement Office.
“A lot of firms work in the background supporting prime contractors and they don’t get the same level of recognition,” said Imran Farhat, Port Capital Project Manager. “It is important to provide more visibility. As a project team, we see firsthand how hard these firms work, and this program allows us to give them the visibility they deserve.”
He added that small and diverse firms often bring innovative approaches to Port projects. “Their work adds unique value to the project. Many firms go above and beyond to make sure their project is successful, so they are more likely to be involved in future opportunities. We are committed to providing the opportunity and resources for small businesses to thrive as successfully as large firms in that environment.”
AVPMG staff nominated firms across multiple award categories, which were evaluated by a Change Team review panel based on criteria such as exceptional work, innovation, and partnership. The award winners were celebrated at an end of the year event in partnership with the Port’s Diversity in Contracting program.
Stuart Mathews, Assistant Director of the Aviation Project Management Group, said AVPMG wanted to start out small this year but in the future, is looking forward to exploring ways to grow the program. The program was only open to firms working in airport projects this year but could possibly expand Port-wide to maritime capital projects in the future.
Learn more about the award-winning firms, the projects they supported, and what they love about working with the Port.
Richmond Construction Consulting
Project: Post International Arrivals Facility (IAF) Airline Realignment Project
“Our team really enjoyed the teamwork and collaboration required to execute this complex project,” said Chris Wong, Principal, Richmond Construction Consulting and Project Executive on the IAF Realignment Project.
Richmond Construction Consulting teamed with Geodesic Studios, forming a team of project managers who moved the project forward while overcoming numerous challenges.
About the project: The Post IAF Airline Realignment Project facilitated relocating United Airlines’ domestic flights from A Concourse to B Concourse, by making space for expanded international operations on A Concourse. Upgrades included the creation of new airline office and support spaces, significant mechanical system upgrades on the B Concourse, along with the reconfiguration and expansion of common use ticket counters.
Geodesic Studios
Project: Post International Arrivals Facility (IAF) Airline Realignment Project
“My favorite part of working with the Port is the people. It's incredible. These people do it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and it's just an opportunity to support their work,” said Letty Powell, owner of Geodesic Studios and project manager on the Post IAF Airline Realignment Project.
About the project: Geodesic worked with Richmond to provide project management and construction management services on the project.
Jacobsen Daniels
Project: Multiple airport projects
“The airport can be a very challenging place to work. My favorite part of working at the airport is working with all the various stakeholders involved,” said Shaun Gough, Vice President at Jacobsen Daniels, and project manager on Port projects.
About the project: Jacobsen Daniels’ local project management team has managed over 60 projects for various airlines, Airport Dining and Retail (ADR) tenants, and the Port of Seattle. Services provided include concept design, design/permitting, construction, and project closeout.
HNTB
Project: Roadway Improvements project
HNTB served as the design lead on the Roadway Improvements project, also referred to as the Widen Arrivals Roadway Project. This prime contractor championed small and diverse businesses by hiring a women and minority owned business enterprise firm (WMBE) to perform the structural design of the bus canopy even though they had initial challenges meeting WMBE goals after internal Port designers performed some of the design services.
About the project: The Roadway Improvements project includes the widening of the southbound lanes of the Northern Airport Expressway to provide an additional two lanes for a total of six lanes from S 170th St into the Departures and Arrivals curbsides and parking garage.
V&M Structural Design
Project: Landside Pavement Project
V&M provided structural design and construction oversight for the Landside Pavement Project, which helps address roadways and parking areas in distress that require attention.
About the project: As part of the project, pavement on the south access of the SEA Garage was fully reconstructed. Extra care was taken in the demolition of the existing pavement to protect the integrity of the retaining walls supporting the pavement. Additional work included the renewal and replacement of signage and modifications to provide access to General Parking, rideshare pickup, and Reserved Parking sections of the garage.
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