The Port of Seattle's new CEO began work Thursday, faced with a booming airport and a struggling seaport.
Ted Fick is a former manufacturing and distribution company executive who is from Tacoma.
"I'm excited and honored to be here," Fick told commissioners.
According to port documents, the Port of Seattle supports 148,000 maritime jobs that pay an average of $70,800.
Canadian ports, especially Prince Rupert, are expanding, while Seattle is losing business.
Seattle's Terminal 5 is now closed for eventual renovation.
But with an outside analysis showing the port using just 38 percent of its capacity, the shutdown is having little impact.
Seattle has also lost shipping contracts to the Port of Tacoma.
After his appointment, KIRO 7 asked Fick if the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma should merge.
"I'm clearly concerned about the market share losses and how we work together rather than competing with each other," Fick said.
The commissions of the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma have met seven times behind closed doors in 2014 to discuss collaboration.
The vote to appoint Fick was unanimous.
"In 10 years this port is not going to look at all as it does today, and Ted Fick has the experience we need to drive and shape that change," said Commissioner Bill Bryant.
Fick will earn $350,000 per year.
KIRO
