Linda Styrk, the Managing Director of the Port of Seattle’s Maritime Division, announced today that she has accepted a new position as Executive Director for the Puget Sound Pilots, who work with ship captains to safely direct vessels into and out of harbors and waterways.
The new job provides a great match for Styrk’s interests and experience. Not only did she hold a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate’s License, she is also married to a pilot who guides ships through the Northwest Passage to Alaska.
“No one has worked harder for the Port than Linda,” said Port of Seattle CEO Ted J. Fick. “She is a savvy and strategic leader whose recent accomplishments include successful negotiations with labor and a major reorganization of our maritime operations.”
As the Managing Director of the Maritime Division, Styrk was instrumental in many achievements over the past decade, including:
- A 10-year Lease Extension for Terminal 46
-
The Seattle Harbor Channel Deepening Project
- T-5 Modernization Project for Mega Ships
- Establishment of the Seaport Asset Stewardship Program
- Advancement of the Northwest Seaport Alliance
“We will always consider Linda a friend of the Port and wish her success in her new position,” said CEO Fick.
Styrk joined the Port in 2005 and previously held positions as Director of Container Marketing, General Manager of the Container Division, and Director of Strategic and Facilities Planning for the Seaport. She graduated from California Maritime Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Nautical Industrial Technology and spent almost 20 years with APL/Eagle Marine Services in a variety of roles.
“I am thrilled to be able to help advance the mission of the Puget Sound Pilots, who work every hour of every day to protect the safety of passengers, mariners, cargo and the environment in Puget Sound,” said Styrk. “I look forward to being an outspoken advocate for the maritime industry in my new role.”
About the Port of Seattle
Founded in 1911, The Port owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, four container cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, one grain terminal, a public cargo terminal, four public marinas, and manages a number of real estate assets for financial return and economic advantage. The port’s operations currently help create nearly 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in wages throughout the region. Over the next 25 years, the port’s “Century Agenda” seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port. Learn more at www.portseattle.org.
