By Mark Edward Nero
The entity that operates the marine cargo operating partnership between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma announced the hiring of two new managers on July 11.
Zachary Thomas has joined the Northwest Seaport Alliance to lead the Operations Service Center, and Bob Meyer has been promoted to lead port operations and manage safety.
Thomas, holds a bachelor’s degree in nautical science from the Marine Maritime Academy, brings over 23 years of experience in the maritime industry to his new position, according to the Seaport Alliance.
Prior to joining the NWSA, he held a variety of positions with Ports America, most recently as general manager in Tacoma since 2014.
In his new position, he is to lead efforts to partner with stakeholders across the supply chain to improve the efficiency and cost-competitiveness of the Puget Sound gateway.
Meyer, who holds a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation and business administration from the Maritime Academy, joined the Port of Tacoma in 2014 to manage the non-container facilities, a position that transitioned to the Northwest Seaport Alliance when the ports of Seattle and Tacoma formed the marine cargo operating partnership in August 2015.
In his expanded role, Meyer is to direct the operations at all port-operated terminals and rail yards, as well as the Seaport Alliance’s safety program.
Before joining the NWSA, Meyer spent nearly a decade as a merchant mariner and several years with Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, most recently running the company’s Port of Brisbane terminal.
