We are proud to introduce the Spring and Summer 2026 Veteran Class Fellows, an exceptional group of leaders whose military service and professional experience bring valuable perspectives to the Port of Seattle. This cohort represents diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to leadership, public service, and strengthening our communities. Explore their stories below and learn more about the experiences and expertise each fellow brings to the Port.
Juan Gomez
Juan Gomez recently joined the Port of Seattle as a Veteran Fellow with our Aviation Customer Care department as a Customer Experience Project Coordinator. He comes from a background of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, where he focused on maintenance operations, training, and ensuring equipment readiness. Those experiences taught him the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills I look forward to bringing into my work here.
At the Port, he will be supporting the Customer Service Department and assisting various teams with their projects. He’s excited to learn from different professionals, explore new career paths, and do his part to support the travelers moving through SEA. Becoming a veteran has been an important milestone for Juan, and he’s eager to give his all in this next chapter.
On a personal note, Juan has two children and follows Montessori principles at home where it has been amazing watching them grow and learn. He is also a full-time college student currently exploring different majors as he works toward choosing the right path for his future. Outside of work and school, Juan is interested in real estate, plants, and health and wellness practices such as yoga, massage therapy, and hot tub relaxation. These activities help him stay grounded and support his overall well being.
Juan stated he is grateful for this fellowship and excited to take advantage of the opportunity to discover his future career path, hopefully here with the Port of Seattle.
If anyone would like to connect, chat, or offer guidance, please feel free to email or message him as he would love to meet more of the team.
Daniel Jackson
Daniel Jackson retired from the U.S. Navy in September 2025 after more than 20 years of honorable service as a Chief Electrician's Mate. Following Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, he completed Electrician's Mate "A" School, Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek, South Carolina, and Nuclear Prototype training aboard MTS-635 before reporting to his first submarine assignment.
His sea duty began aboard USS Annapolis (SSN 760), where he qualified as a Work Center Supervisor and advanced to Petty Officer First Class. He then served at Trident Refit Facility, Naval Base Kitsap, supporting submarine maintenance operations before reporting to the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Indiana (SSN 789). As a plank owner, he participated in commissioning the submarine and played a key role in shipboard testing, including initial criticality, reactor testing, and sea trials.
Mr. Jackson next served as a Master Training Specialist at Submarine Training Facility San Diego, where he instructed sailors in damage control and emergency response using advanced firefighting and flooding simulators. He later served as Electrical Division Chief aboard USS Alabama (SSBN 731) and USS Connecticut (SSN 22), leading electrical maintenance and operations. While aboard Connecticut, he directed the complete shutdown of the submarine's electrical distribution system in preparation for an engineering overhaul, an evolution rarely performed in the fleet.
For his final military assignment, Mr. Jackson served as a Contracting Officer's Representative at Naval Hospital Bremerton, overseeing contracts supporting approximately 90 full-time medical providers and ensuring continuity of care for military beneficiaries.
Following retirement, Mr. Jackson served as the Facilities Electrical Supervisor for the Naval Base Kitsap Base Operations Support contract, leading a team of 15 electricians and generator technicians responsible for installation maintenance and emergency response across the installation.
Mr. Jackson currently serves as a Facilities Support Specialist with the Port of Seattle, supporting the Marine Maintenance Division through the Veterans Fellowship Program. He brings extensive experience in leadership, facilities management, electrical systems, project coordination, and workforce development while continuing to build on his passion for public service.
Marilyn Miquel
Marilyn has served in the Air Force for over two decades and currently serves in the Reserves as Chief of Wing Intelligence at Dover Air Force Base, DE. Prior to becoming a commissioned officer, she flew more than 2,500 hours as a loadmaster on the C-17. She has deployed twice—to the Middle East and Afghanistan and has supported C-17, C-5, and F-15C aircraft operations, as well as worked across numerous government agencies.
A proud East Coaster, Marilyn relocated to Seattle, along with her cat, to pursue an Executive MBA at the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, which she completed in 2024. Before joining the Port, she served as a Communications and Community Engagement Manager for a King County Councilmember through King County’s veteran’s program.
At the Port of Seattle, Marilyn is assigned to Aviation Maintenance and Facilities Services, where she will focus on improving waste management operations as a Project Manager.
She is an avid volunteer. Most recently serving as a board member of the Hunger Intervention Program and is a lifelong learner, currently working on professional military education toward her next rank and recently earning her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors of Washington State, traveling, and cooking.
