Barb Wilson appointed Chief of Staff for Port of Seattle

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Barb Wilson has been appointed as the Chief of Staff for Port of Seattle’s five-member elected body, the Port of Seattle Commission. Wilson brings with her 25 years of experience in the private, public, and non-profit sectors in Seattle. Prior to her latest role, she served as the Director of Government Affairs at Vulcan Inc., the investment and project management firm founded by the late Paul G. Allen.

In her last role, she was responsible for local and state government affairs and efforts and worked with Vulcan teams on a broad range of projects, including the company’s real estate development, philanthropic policy, and arts and entertainment efforts. Wilson also comes with 10 years of experience working as the Executive Director of the Seattle Planning Commission. In her role, she was responsible for overall operations and advised city officials on complex urban planning and development issues.

She previously worked as a program manager for National Wildlife Foundation as well as worked on regional outreach and advocacy initiatives for the Northwest Energy Coalition, Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition, and developed field strategies for Hands Off Washington. Wilson holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s in political science from the University of California, San Diego. She is a long time resident of West Seattle. She also enjoys coaching her son’s soccer team, kayaking, exploring Seattle’s food scene, and spending time with friends and family in her free time.

Peter Steinbrueck, President, the Port of Seattle Commission said in a statement that authorities are thrilled to welcome Barb Wilson as commission chief of staff at Port of Seattle. He mentioned that she brings the experience and depth of knowledge required to chart a course for relief and economic recovery in the current unprecedented times.

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