Dorsett to Head Port Government Affairs

Dick Dorsett recently joined the Port of Tacoma as Governmental Affairs Manager. In this position, he manages the Port’s State Legislative agenda and works with local and regional communities on a number of key issues, including transportation and the environment.

"Dick brings the Port a wealth of experience in state and local government," said Julie Collins, the Port's Director of Economic Development and Governmental Affairs. "He also has strong experience in environmental issues here in Pierce County."

An attorney at law, Dorsett was Executive Director of the Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging before joining the Port. From 1988 to 1999, he was Deputy Director for Pierce County Government Relations, responsible for comprehensive issues management and policy development.

During this time, Dorsett led the creation of the Puyallup River Watershed Council, a citizen-based environmental restoration coalition. He represented Pierce County as a member of the Commencement Bay Cleanup Action Committee and helped develop a coordinated response to the listing of Puget Sound salmon as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

“Clean waters and land are important us all,” Dorsett said. “In addition to being a catalyst of our regional economy, the Port of Tacoma has invested more than $150 million to improve the environment and wildlife habitat in and around Commencement Bay. It’s exciting to be a part of this.”

Dorsett’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington University (1982), a Masters of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College (1988) and a Juris Doctor from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (1993).