Wendy Reiter has been selected as the new Managing Director of Seattle Tacoma International Airport, effective Jan. 7, 2026, Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck announced.
She replaces Lance Lyttle, who left last March for a gig at the Orlando Airport.
Reiter currently leads security, fire and emergency preparedness at the airport and has worked in airport and airline management roles in Seattle and the Midwest for 35 years, according to the Port of Seattle.
She will oversee a division of about 1,200 direct employees.
“Wendy Reiter brings an exceptional combination of leadership, industry knowledge, and genuine commitment to the people who work at, live near, and rely upon SEA,” Metruck said. “Reiter will guide a leadership team tasked with completing our current Upgrade SEA program, in time for the FIFA World Cup. She will also be responsible for launching a new phase of development on our airport master plan and continuing to pursue excellence in our service and our facilities to ensure a safe and accessible travel experience for all.”
Reiter said the airport community has been her priority for two decades.
“The SEA community of workers, partners, and neighbors has been my highest priority for 20 years,” Reiter said. “We have a great responsibility to our community to meet the aviation demand in the region through excellent service, improved sustainability, and with an eye toward continually expanding opportunities equitably. Our leadership team and employees are ready to meet these challenges, and I am honored by the opportunity to lead SEA.”
According to the Port, the airport is shifting from upgrading existing facilities toward long range development under its airport master plan. In its 2026 budget, the Port Commission authorized the Aviation Division 2026 to 2030 capital plan at $3.75 billion, with $847 million in spending expected in 2026.
The airport is the 11th busiest in North America by passenger volume and is among the best connected in terms of service, the Port said. As passenger volumes return to pre pandemic record levels, the Port said achieving aviation goals will require close coordination with partners and surrounding communities.
The airport is the Port of Seattle’s largest line of business, with hundreds of private employers and as many as 24,000 employees working on site, according to the Port. The airport supported nearly 175,000 regional jobs in 2023, worth $10.5 billion in wages and benefits and $33.3 billion in business output.
The managing director also represents the Port in community dialogue, including serving as chair of the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table and as a representative on the Highline Forum, according to the Port of Seattle.
