John Wolfe News

John Wolfe, CEO of The Northwest Seaport Alliance, received the 2017 Connie Award presented by the Containerization & Intermodal Institute in Long Beach, Calif., on Tuesday, September 19. Since the formation of the NWSA in August 2015, Wolfe has led the marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. “This is an incredible honor for John and The Northwest Seaport Alliance,” said Tom Albro, Port of Seattle commission president and co-chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance. “John leads through hard work and a well-grounded vision.

International container volumes through the Puget Sound rebounded strongly in 2015 with The Northwest Seaport Alliance handling more than 3.5 million 25-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an increase of 4 percent. Container volumes grew despite the slowing Chinese economy and volume declines earlier in the year during West Coast labor negotiations. The ports of Seattle and Tacoma formed The Northwest Seaport Alliance in August to strengthen the Puget Sound gateway—the third largest in North America—and create more economic opportunities.

Taking another step in forming The Northwest Seaport Alliance, commissioners from the ports of Tacoma and Seattle voted Friday to submit a final agreement to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for approval. The Northwest Seaport Alliance will unify the two ports’ marine cargo terminal investments, operations, planning and marketing to strengthen the Puget Sound gateway and attract more marine cargo for the region. “This agreement is the culmination of months of work to set aside decades of competition in creating a new business model for the greater good,” said Don Johnson, Port of Tacoma commission president. The agreement outlines The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s governance charter, management and financial structures, a transition plan and a business development strategy.

A draft of the final agreement between the ports of Tacoma and Seattle has been released, heralding a milestone in the formation of a Seaport Alliance that will unify the two ports’ marine cargo terminal investments, operations, planning and marketing. “We intend to make our organizations stronger and more sustainable to better serve our customers, grow our regional economy and address unprecedented competition facing the shipping industry,” said Don Johnson, Port of Tacoma commission president.

On Thursday, August 15th, at 10:00 AM, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani, and Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe will hold a press conference at the Bell Harbor Conference Center rooftop deck overlooking the Port of Seattle to announce new legislation that will support Washington state’s trade economy and significantly strengthen American ports, including many in the Pacific Northwest. Outdated harbor maintenance taxes divert many American-bound cargos to ports in Canada. The Senate bill is expected to level the playing field for American ports competing for cargo while boosting investments in port infrastructure and maintenance.

Wolfe appointed Technical Support Manager for Atlas Copco Geotechnical Drilling line. John Wolfe has been appointed to the position of Technical Support Manager for Atlas Copco’s Geotechnical Drilling and Exploration business line, effective January 1, 2012. In his new role, Wolfe will report directly to Scott Slater, Business Line Manager — GDE (Geotechnical Drilling & Exploration.) He will provide training, technical and product support for all Atlas Copco store branches in the United States.

The Port of Tacoma has selected John Wolfe as Deputy Executive Director. Wolfe, is currently Executive Director at the Port of Olympia. He is a native of Puyallup, Washington and a graduate of Tacoma's Pacific Lutheran University (B.A. in Business Administration, 1987). Port of Tacoma Executive Director Timothy J. Farrell says Wolfe brings a collaborative leadership style to Tacoma. "We have known John for many years and respect his ability to build teams and lead an organization," he said. "As our Port grows, it is important to bring people with John's capabilities into our organization. Before being named Port of Olympia Executive Director in December 2003, Wolfe served as Olympia's Director of Operations and Marine Terminal General Manager.