The Port of Seattle Commission this week elected Hamdi Mohamed Commission President for 2024, and historic first.
Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa will serve as Commission Vice President, with Commissioner Ryan Calkins serving as Commission Secretary.
In November 2021, Hamdi Mohamed made history as the first Somali woman elected to public office in Washington state and the first Black woman elected to the Port of Seattle Commission. She also holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to serve on any of the 75 ports in Washington.
“I’m thankful for this historic opportunity my colleagues have provided me in taking the helm of this organization as Commission President for 2024,” said Commission President Hamdi Mohamed. “I’m proud to represent the more than 2 million people of King County and am committed to working diligently on their behalf alongside my colleagues. Our port plays a crucial role in supporting the state’s economy and its people, functioning as a vital engine of prosperity and connectivity. It is a hub of opportunities, and we are dedicated to creating and sustaining these opportunities for current and future generations.”
“We witnessed a record year in 2023, with approval of our largest budget yet and $5.6 billion in capital development spending, an average of $1 billion a year for the next five years,” continued Commissioner Mohamed. “Along with airport improvements at SEA, the Port continues its investments in electrification of the Port’s fleet and facilities, maritime workforce development, economic opportunity throughout King County and beyond, with inclusion of underrepresented communities.”
The 2024 budget will support increased access to port-related career pathways, including initiatives like Maritime High School, the Youth Career Launch Program, aviation career pathway programs, construction trades pre-apprenticeship programs, and internships.
“I am proud to continue leadership as Port of Seattle Commission Vice President,” said Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa. “In a time of tremendous growth and opportunity, I look forward to the leadership of President Mohamed and the ongoing work of promoting a thriving and sustainable port economy together.”
The Port is committed to furthering economic recovery and environmental sustainability through continued investment in the South King County Community Impact Fund. The 2024 budget also supports the Duwamish Valley Community Equity Program, expands shore power connections in Elliott Bay to the Pier 66 cruise terminal, and promotes local economic development.
This year, the Northwest Seaport Alliance — the joint venture with the Port of Tacoma that operates international cargo facilities in both harbors — will open the second phase of its modernized Terminal 5 in West Seattle. The big-ship ready terminal stands out as one of the premier international maritime shipping container terminals on the West Coast, which will anchor maritime jobs and global shipping in our community for decades to come.
