The commission announced a broad agenda for 2014, including work to implement reforms on wages and working conditions at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
“We have a balanced commission with a diversity of individual expertise. Our new commission governance structure will allow us to meaningfully impact issues that move our community forward,” said Commissioner Bowman. “Our deep thanks to Commissioner Tom Albro for his work as 2013 commission president. He advanced the port’s strategic goals and effectively advocated for the manufacturing and industrial economy in our region.”
Albro serves as president of the Washington Public Ports Association in 2014, a leadership role that allows him to contribute to federal, state and local policy discussions that advance the interests of the Port of Seattle and all port districts across the state.
Port CEO Tay Yoshitani, who has served in that role since 2007, confirmed he will be stepping down when his current contract expires at the end of June. The Port Commission announced today that they will conduct an international search for his replacement. Yoshitani continues to serve as chairman of the board of the American Association of Port Authorities.
“Tay continues to be a leader on issues central to the success of ports across North America,” said Commissioner Tom Albro. “We thank him for his years of valuable service in Seattle, as well as his work to promote international trade and advance the success of maritime and aviation industries.”
During today’s meeting, all five commissioners spoke to their collective priorities for 2014, which include:
Seaport competitiveness and regional transportation
Expanding maritime and industrial jobs
Growing middle-class jobs and workforce development
Environmental stewardship
Promoting and expanding tourism
The future of the fishing industry: celebrating 100 years at Fishermen’s Terminal
New executive leadership at the port
Response to City of SeaTac wage initiative
“While legal questions surrounding the SeaTac wage initiative remain, we want to move forward to explore solutions to these issues of national concern,” said Commissioner Gregoire. “We will have thoughtful discussion with workers, airport tenants and the public about how to strengthen working conditions for current employees and create pathways to career advancement.”
The Port of Seattle never took a position on the City of SeaTac initiative during the campaign. The port was named a defendant in the lawsuit to overturn the outcome of the election. King County Court Judge Andrea Darvas ruled on Dec. 27 that the city’s initiative does not apply at Sea-Tac airport because the facility is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the port. An appeal has been filed with the Washington Supreme Court.
Commissioners John Creighton, Albro, Bowman and Gregoire were sworn into office today to begin their new terms. Both Bowman and Gregoire were appointed to the commission last year and were elected by the voters of King County in November. Bryant’s current term expires at the end of 2015.
The commission also announced that Larry Ehl, publisher of Transportation Issues Daily, will serve as the commission’s chief of staff. Previously, Ehl served as government relations manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Seattle’s Fisher Communications, as well as chief of staff to former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton.