Global Trade & Tariffs with the Port of Seattle's Executive Director (1)
Wed, Jul 16
|Seattle
Responsible for Port of Seattle and SeaTac, Steve has graciously agreed to share his insights on global trade, air travel, and innovation


Time & Location
Jul 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Seattle, 701 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
About the event
We are thrilled to invite you to an exclusive event featuring Steve Metruck, the Executive Director of the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). As a leader managing over $38 billion in regional business revenue and pioneering initiatives like the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor, Mr. Metruck brings unparalleled expertise to navigating the complexities of global commerce.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, Steve has his hand on the pulse of trade, travel, logistics, and innovation within the supply chain of the Pacific Northwest as well as globally and he has graciously agreed to share his insights on;
Global Trade Dynamics after ”Liberation Day”: how geopolitical shifts and technological advancements are reshaping global commerce as well as business in the Pacific Northwest
Agile Logistics: insights for building resilient and responsive supply chains in an era of uncertainty
Transforming Travel: innovations poised to revolutionize air and maritime passenger movement.
Disruptive Innovation: Identifying and leveraging the technologies that will define future logistics.
Local Economic Impact: how Port of Seattle and SeaTac support
This is your opportunity to understand the drivers of change directly from a visionary leader. Stephen Metruck’s extensive experience, from managing a massive economic engine to his distinguished career as a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, makes this a session you can't afford to miss.
Who’s Invited:
HBS alumni (all programs)
Ivy+ (Stanford, Wharton, Booth, Columbia, MIT, etc.)
Harvard undergrad/grad alumni
We expect this event to sellout, so secure your place today.
Steve Metrucks’ Bio
Stephen P. Metruck is the Executive Director of the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), two the Pacific Northwest’s most vital economic engines for trade, travel, and logistics. He is in charge of one of the nation's largest airports, serving 52 million passengers in 2024, and oversees North America's largest maritime cargo shipping gateway through the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
He directs 2,135 employees, manages $617 million in annual operating expenses, and guides an ambitious $5.2 billion five-year capital improvement plan. Under his stewardship, Port operations support over 121,000 jobs and generate $38 billion in business revenue regionally.
Mr. Metruck has successfully steered transformative capital programs, including SEA's new International Arrivals Facility, and is a recognized global leader in decarbonizing port industries, initiating the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor. His tenure is marked by strategic vision and impactful execution on a grand scale.
Prior to becoming Executive Director, Steve had an impressive 34-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as a Rear Admiral (Upper Half). Steve Metruck has devoted his life to public sector leadership.
Event Details
Date: Monday, September 15
Time: 6pm to 8:30pm
Location: Columbia Center, 5th Avenue, Seattle - 40th floor
Finding the 40th Floor: on the ground floor (aka 5th Ave street level), look for the HBS club sign and representative who will usher you to the 40th Floor Sky Lobby where the event will take place
Parking: the easiest most accessible parking is in the Columbia Center's parking garage, but the parking is relatively expensive (e.g. ~$20). If you're looking to save some money and don't mind a <5min walk, past attendees have used the following locations
Diamond Parking immediately across the street (https://maps.app.goo.gl/TTy315Gy5NCu9Dcr6)
Butler Garage two blocks away as some of the cheapest parking in the area (https://maps.app.goo.gl/wx7wyaveTX8VXWuz5)
SeaPark Garage adjacent to Columbia Tower, Seattle Court parking where there's typically availablity after working hours (https://maps.app.goo.gl/LESDFFw86qWFffwQ9)
Event Contacts
Kyle Buffenmyer - kylebuffenmyer@gmail.com - +1.717.201.0064
Rob Sim - roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com - +1.804.339.7691
Tickets
General Admission
From $10.00 to $30.00
Sale ended$30.00
$10.00