Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Oct. 11 announced maritime
industry veteran Stephen Sewell has been appointed to the state Department of
Commerce as economic development director for the state’s maritime industry
sector.
Inslee introduced Sewell while participating in a roundtable
at Crowley Maritime and tour of the Harbor Island Training Center at Vigor
Industries, along with Commerce Director Brian Bonlender and other officials.
“Steve Sewell is a dynamic and well-respected leader who has
developed strong local, national and international relationships over more than
25 years in the maritime industry,” Inslee said. “He will be an outstanding
asset in our efforts to expand our working waterfront as a job creation engine
for Washington’s economy.”
Between 1994 and 2002, Sewell served in senior leadership
roles at the Port of Seattle, including Managing Director of the Seaport
Division, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel. Since 2011, he had been a
founding executive and senior vice president at LoadStar, a subsidiary of port
operator Hutchison Port Holdings.
Between 2002 and 2010, he held upper management positions
with PB Ports & Marine and cargo tracking company Savi Networks.
“I’m enthusiastic about being in a position to help address
some of the big issues facing our state – education, jobs and transportation.
Positive change in all of these areas is possible through the growth and health
of the maritime industry,” Sewell said.
Commerce Director Brian Bonlender said the new position is
modeled after the state’s Office of Aerospace.
“Washington has one of the most vibrant maritime sectors in
the country, producing some of the best family-wage jobs in the region, but its
importance to our economy is often overlooked or taken for granted,” Bonlender
said. “This position will help drive policies important to the continued growth
of the maritime sector.”
