In the first new staff announcement since taking over as Port of Seattle CEO, Tay Yoshitani today announced that Kurt Beckett will join the Port November 1st as the External Affairs Director.

Beckett comes to the Port after serving as Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell since 2004 and her deputy chief of staff since 2001. He previously worked for Congressman Norm Dicks for nearly 10 years, most recently as District Director.  Beckett is a graduate of the University of Washington.

"Kurt brings great perspective, key experience in policy development and a passion for working with people in the community," said Yoshitani, noting this new position at the Port will serve as a member of the Port’s Executive Team and supervise government relations and policy-level media relations.