EVERETT — The Port of Everett has hired Chris Bush as its new Commercial Strategy Officer at the Port of Everett Seaport. He joined the Port in January.
Bush is responsible for attracting and maintaining maritime business, maximizing the value of the Port’s eight shipping berths situated on approximately 125 acres of land, and enhancing its competitive position in the global supply chain. He is tasked with growing the Port’s net operating income through the development and implementation of commercial strategies at its Seaport, which contributes 41% of operating revenue to the Port’s overall budget.
“I’m honored to join the Port of Everett and contribute to its next chapter of growth and innovation,” Bush said. “I’m excited to work with such a talented and dedicated team, including the skilled members of ILWU Local 32, whose commitment to getting the job done is a true asset to the Port. Together, I look forward to strengthening our commercial strategy, expanding global partnerships, and delivering lasting value to our community.”
Bush brings more than 15 years of experience in leading port operations. Prior to joining the Port, he served as the Director of Future Operations in Naples, Italy, for the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command. He also held roles at the U.S. Army – North Sea Detachment Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and at Westwood Shipping Lines (now Swire Shipping) and APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk.
“The Port of Everett Seaport team is focused on pursuing strategic opportunities in today’s dynamic global economy, while continuing to deliver the high-quality service that our longtime customers depend on,” Chief of Seaport Operations Tim Ryker said. “Chris has a width and breadth of experience in the international port industry that’s a rare find, and we’re excited to have him join the Seaport team.”
The Port’s announcement of Bush’s new role comes as part of a wave of upcoming retirements in the New Year, and with an eye on growth, and a renewed focus on customer service and visitor experience across the Port’s three business lines. Ryker was promoted to Chief of Seaport Operations in advance of longtime Chief Operating Officer Carl Wollebek’s retirement at the end of the year.
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 billion worth 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.
Learn more at www.portofeverett.com/seaport.
Source: Port of Everett
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
