Historic first for Port and Asian-American community comes amid record demand for Port services
SEATTLE — The Commission of the Port of Seattle made history today with the elevation of Commission President Sam Cho, the first Commission President of color and the youngest Commission President in the Port’s 111 year history. Furthermore, the Port also made history with the elevation of the first female Vice President of Asian descent, with the selection of Commission Vice President Toshiko Hasegawa. This marks the first time both of the Port Commission’s top officers are of Asian descent.
Commissioner Fred Felleman will serve as Commission Secretary. Committee assignments for Commissioners Ryan Calkins, Sam Cho, Toshiko Hasegawa, Fred Felleman, and Hamdi Mohamed will be published to the Port’s Commission webpage this week.
“I am honored and humbled to begin my term as Port of Seattle Commission President,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Sam Cho. “Thanks to the work of this Commission, the Port staff, major stakeholders and everyday community members, we are making real progress on making your Port more efficient, sustainable, and a greater source of economic opportunity. I look forward to continuing our momentum in this work during my presidency.”
“This is a milestone moment for the Port,” said Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Toshiko Hasegawa. “Last year we centered policy discussions around people and made historic investments in our aviation and maritime gateways, communities and the environment. This year we are ready to accelerate our rate of progress together.”
“I welcome the support of my colleagues to serve as an officer on the Commission, which increasingly better represents the diversity of the constituents that we serve,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman.
About the Port of Seattle
Founded in 1911 by a vote of the people as a special purpose government, the Port of Seattle’s mission is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.
The Port owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Fishermen’s Terminal — home of the North Pacific fishing fleet — and public marinas. The Port also owns two cruise ship terminals, a grain terminal, real estate assets, and marine cargo terminals through its partnership in the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Port operations help support nearly 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in wages throughout the region. Over the next 15 years, the Port’s Century Agenda seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port. Learn more at the Port’s website.
