Julie Collins hired as Senior Director of Public Affairs at Port of Seattle

Port of Seattle CEO Ted J. Fick has appointed Julie Collins as a member of the Port’s executive team, effective May 1. As senior director of public affairs, Collins’ portfolio will include government relations, community outreach, strategic communications and airport public relations. In addition, she will serve as a member of the executive team supporting the executive office and commission and will report directly to the CEO.

“Julie brings deep knowledge of ports, elected officials throughout the state, and a proven ability to lead dynamic teams,” said Fick. “Her long background in a similar role at the Port of Tacoma makes her uniquely qualified to continue public affairs work here at the Port of Seattle.”

As chief external affairs officer at the Port of Tacoma, she had oversight of government affairs, communications and community relations functions and also served on the CEO’s executive team. Additionally, she serves on the executive Due Diligence team to develop the Seaport Alliance.

Prior to joining the Port of Tacoma in 1998, she worked as district director for U.S. Representative Jennifer Dunn and U.S. Representative Rod Chandler and also was Chandler’s senior legislative assistant in Washington, D.C. Her local experience includes issues management for the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and event planning/fundraising at Columbia Resource Group.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and has completed the business executive development program at the UW Foster School of Business.