By Karen Robes Meeks
The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) has given its 2017 Connie Award to John Wolfe, CEO of The Northwest Seaport Alliance and the Port of Tacoma, and International Trade Education Programs, Inc. CEO Amy Grat.
The pair were honored Tuesday at an award dinner in Long Beach, where the Intermodal Association of North America was also having its Intermodal EXPO this week.
The awards spotlight those who made “outstanding contributions to containerization and world trade and transportation sector and are acknowledged for their pioneering spirit in their careers, as well as for the positive example they establish for those who will be the future the industry,” according to the release.
“CII is fortunate that in the 45 years of presenting the Connie Award, we continue to honor those who have positively impacted our industry and its reputation,” said CII President Michael J. DiVirgilio. “The different routes that John Wolfe and Amy Grat have taken on this journey have earned them the distinct honor of being recipients of this prestigious award.”
Wolfe, who has been CEO of the Port of Tacoma since 2010, is a veteran in the industry, having spent 10 years with Maersk Sealand/APM Terminals in Tacoma performing various roles such as terminal operations manager. Previously he served the Port of Olympia as director of operations and marine terminal general manager before becoming its executive director.
Grat, who has been CEO of ITEP since 2010, is developing the future industry leaders by partnering with supply chain stakeholders to give high school students a taste of career opportunities in these sectors.