Port of Seattle CEO Presents Organizational Changes
Port of Seattle CEO Ted J. Fick presented a blueprint for his vision for leading the organization, announcing a realignment that aims to grow operations and increase jobs throughout the region and state by promoting economic development and advancing the port’s Century Agenda.
Organizational changes include the creation of an office for strategic initiatives, as well as a new economic development office to encompass a number of existing functions such as real estate, office of social responsibility, tourism development and a new small business incubator, which will aim to become a primary economic growth driver for the port.
With marine cargo business proposed to fall under the new Seaport Alliance, a new maritime division will include all remaining water-borne businesses: cruise, fishing and recreational boating. There will be an increased number of executive staff reporting directly to the CEO, including labor relations. The airport division will remain structured as-is.
“During my first five months on the job I’ve recognized that we have many opportunities to grow our already significant impact on the region’s economy, to increase revenue and to boost our operational excellence and effectiveness,” Fick said. “We need to continue our focus on business and job growth.”
“By flattening the organization, it will give me a more focused opportunity to make direct impact on the organization, such as Labor Relations and Economic Development,” Fick said. “This is just the first phase of a reorganization that will continue for a couple of years as we grow the business.”