Seattle Port Names Interim Maritime Division Director

By Mark Edward Nero

Lindsay Pulsifer, General Manager of Marine Maintenance for the Port of Seattle, has been selected as the port’s Interim Maritime Division Managing Director.

She fills the void that opened with the departure of former Maritime Division Managing Director Linda Styrk, who in July accepted a new position as Executive Director for the Puget Sound Pilots, the group that works with ship captains to safely direct vessels into and out of harbors and waterways.

In her new role, Pulsifer will be responsible for directing the strategic and daily operations of Maritime Environmental Services, Harbor Services, Marine Maintenance, Industrial Properties and Cruise Operations until a permanent Maritime Division Managing Director is selected.

“Lindsay has demonstrated strong support for talent development, keen business acumen, and organizational guidance during periods of change,” port CEO Ted Fick said.

Pulsifer, a port employee for more than 30 years, holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington.

“It is an honor to be selected to lead the Maritime Division during this period,” she said in a prepared statement announcing her new role. “I look forward to working with a great crew as we navigate through new waters.”

A national search will be conducted for a permanent replacement for Styrk, according to the port.

Puget Sound Pilots Hires New Director

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.