Port of Seattle CEO Ted Fick has promoted Dave Soike, the port’s Aviation Director of Facilities and Capital Programs, to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, the port revealed March 11.
Soike has worked for the port for nearly 36 years, beginning as a junior engineer and quickly advancing into positions in project management, maritime and aviation. Most recently he led more than 375 employees in Aviation Facilities and Infrastructure, Aviation Maintenance, and the Aviation Building Department and Conference Center. Soike holds a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Washington State University and a Master’s in business administration from the University of Washington.
Reporting to Soike will be the Centers of Expertise for Environment and Sustainability, Strategic Initiatives, and Capital Development, as well as Police and Emergency Management.
Additionally, Soike is expected to serve as Acting CEO whenever Fick is absent.
Fick announced his intention to add a COO in early 2016 as part of a reorganization designed to enable him to focus more on regional collaboration, economic development, and internal talent development.
“Over his career, Dave has demonstrated a talent for building relationships with diverse audiences, a strong track record delivering effective large-scale and complex projects, and the ability to drive new strategic initiatives,” Fick said, adding that Soike’s knowledge and experience can help the port meet its job creation goals and strategic initiatives, such as long-range planning and environmental stewardship.
