EVERETT– The Port of Everett has selected Tim Ryker as its next Chief of Seaport Operations, effective Oct. 1, following the retirement announcement of long-time Port Chief Operating Officer, Carl Wollebek.
Ryker joined the Port of Everett’s Seaport team on April 1 as its Director of Marine Terminals. He brings 20+ years of experience in maritime and stevedoring to his new role managing the second largest customs district in the state of Washington and the region’s premier breakbulk seaport. With more than 60% of all jobs in Snohomish County tied to trade, Seaport operations play a critical role and Ryker’s new position will have the opportunity to shape the local economy.
As Chief of Seaport Operations, Ryker will be responsible for growing the Port’s largest business line. Ryker will develop and implement commercial strategies, foster relationships with new and existing Seaport customers in both international and domestic markets, lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency, direct and oversee capital infrastructure and equipment investments, and supervise and provide strategic leadership to the entire Seaport team. Ryker will soon be joined by a new Commercial Strategy Officer, who will lead Seaport business development, and who will report to him and the Executive Director/CEO.
“It is an honor to step into the role of Chief of Seaport Operations at the Port of Everett,” Ryker said. “In just a short amount of time, I’ve seen first-hand the Port’s commitment to innovation, customer service, and community benefit. I look forward to continuing the work my predecessor did to advance these priorities by supporting our hard-working team, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the Seaport continues to create economic opportunity in the Pacific Northwest.”
Prior to joining the Port, Ryker served as General Manager at Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals in the Pacific Northwest where he oversaw stevedoring operations in the ports of Grays Harbor, Longview, Everett, Port Angeles, and Portland. Prior to moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2010, Ryker began his career at the Port of Los Angeles as a Vessel Superintendent where he supervised daily stevedoring operations, coordinated ILWU personnel, and ensured the timely and accurate delivery of cargo at one of the nation’s largest ports.
Ryker has already been working closely with the Seaport team as Director of Marine Terminal in recent months. He and Wollebek will be in transition until Wollebek’s retirement goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the Chief Operating Officer, and I am proud of what our team has accomplished together,” Wollebek said. “Tim has proven himself as a strong leader as Marine Terminals Director already, and I have every confidence he will continue to build on this momentum, ensuring the Port of Everett Seaport remains a premier choice for our customers, partners, and community.”
Starting as Director of Marketing in 1993, Wollebek’s career at the Port has been marked by a steady rise through roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in his current position where he oversees all operational aspects of the Port of Everett Seaport, including terminal operations, security and cargo business development. He has been the Port’s Chief Operating Officer since 2007.
With over 37 years in the shipping industry, Wollebek has played an integral role in driving the Port of Everett’s growth. During his tenure, the Port’s regional economic impact has grown from supporting 3,600 jobs and $16.8 million in state and local taxes to supporting 40,000 jobs and $433 million in state and local taxes, according to economic impact reports from 2006 and 2019, respectively.
Throughout his tenure, he is most proud of the relationships developed with customers, partners and coworkers worldwide. Some of the most impactful projects completed during his tenure include:
- Signing agreements with Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO), Eastern Car Liner, ltd., and Swire Shipping (then Westwood) that brought weekly port calls to Everett (now celebrating 20 years);
- Installation of Pacific Terminal gantry cranes in 2005, followed by South Terminal container cranes in 2021, purchase of mobile harbor cranes and major yard equipment upgrades;
- Creation of Mount Baker Terminal in 2008 to support the aerospace industry;
- Expanded on-dock rail capacity to 12,500 lineal feet;
- Negotiated long-term agreements with The Boeing Company and Heidelberg Materials
- Signed a lease with Everett Ship Repair, growing the Seaport’s capabilities to support the Department of Defense and commercial industries;
- Designation as one of only 18 Strategic Commercial Seaports in the U.S. in 2021;
- Completion of the Port’s Seaport Modernization project that invested $150 million over the past decade to modernize and green its maritime facilities;
- Transformation of a contaminated former mill site into newest cargo yard on the West Coast, Norton Terminal, as part of the Port’s award-winning “Mills to Maritime” initiative in 2022;
- Named 2024 Port/Terminal Operator of the Year by Heavy Lift and Project Forwarding International, an industry honor
“Carl has been an extraordinary leader for our working waterfront throughout his 32 years with the Port,” said Port of Everett Executive Director/CEO Lisa Lefeber. “His deep knowledge, dedication, and vision have been instrumental in making the Port of Everett the economic powerhouse it is today. His legacy of innovation, collaboration, and customer service will continue to shape the Port for years to come. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
For more information, contact Kate Anderson, the Port’s Media & Marketing Coordinator, at katea@portofeverett.com.
About the Port of Everett Seaport
The Port of Everett Seaport, located 25 miles north of Seattle, is a natural deep-water, self-operating seaport that supports nearly $21 billionworth of U.S. exports annually ($30B import/export value combined), ranking as the #2 export customs district in Washington state – #5 on the West Coast. The Port of Everett is the third largest container port in Washington state and is the region’s premiere breakbulk cargo facility, handling high-value, conventional and over-dimensional cargoes in support of the aerospace, construction, manufacturing, military, agriculture, energy, and forest products industries. Most notably, the Port of Everett serves as an extension of the aerospace manufacturing process, accommodating 100% of the oversized aerospace parts for the 747 (now retired), 767, 777, 777X and K-C Tanker programs. The Port of Everett’s was recently designated as a MARAD Strategic Commercial Seaport – one of only 18 nationwide – to support critical cargo movements for the Department of Defense. The Port’s regional transportation network supports more than 40,000 jobs and $433 million in state and local tax revenues. With more than 60% of jobs tied to trade in Snohomish County, the Port of Everett continuously looks for ways to expand cargo handling capabilities and keep freight moving efficiently.
The Port of Everett Seaport has earned both regional and international recognition, being named 2022 Port of the Year by Washington Public Ports Association and 2024 Port/Terminal Operator of the Year by Heavy Lift and Project Forwarding International.
Source: Port of Everett
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
