Seattle port elects co-presidents, preps for CEO departure

The Port of Seattle Commission last week elected two co-presidents for 2014 and announced that the port's Chief Executive Officer Tay Yoshitani will step down when his contract expires at June's end.

Commissioners Stephanie Bowman and Courtney Gregoire will serve as co-presidents for 2014. They will lead a balanced commission that has a diversity of individual expertise, port officials said in a press release.

"Our new commission governance structure will allow us to meaningfully impact issues that move our community forward," said Bowman.

Tom Albro, who was commission president for 2013, now serves as president of the Washington Public Ports Association. His association leadership role "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 officials said.

Meanwhile, Yoshitani recently confirmed plans to step down as the port's CEO. The port commission plans to conduct an international search for his successor. CEO since 2007, Yoshitani plans to continue serving as chairman of the American Association of Port Authorities.