By Mark Edward Nero
Linda Styrk, the Managing Director of the Port of Seattle’s Maritime Division, said July 21 that she has accepted a new position as Executive Director of the Puget Sound Pilots, which work with ship captains to safely direct vessels in and out of harbors and waterways.
Styrk is succeeding Walter Tabler, who has been the Pilots’ Executive Director and General Counsel the last 12 years. Tabler says he’s retiring in October, but plans to stay in the area and will be available for consulting.
“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,” Styrk said in a statement. “I look forward to being an outspoken advocate for the maritime industry in my new role.”
Styrk joined the Port of Seattle 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 the California Maritime Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Nautical Industrial Technology and before joining the port, spent almost 20 years with APL/Eagle Marine Services in a variety of roles.
Not only does Styrk hold a US Coast Guard Third Mate’s License, she is also married to a pilot who guides ships through the Northwest Passage to Alaska.
As managing director of the Port of Seattle’s 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; the T-5 modernization project for mega ships; establishment of the Seaport Asset Stewardship Program; and 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 Port of Seattle CEO Ted Fick.