Over the past several years, the Port of Seattle has lost its way. Never-ending scandals, mismanaged property tax dollars and a complete lack of transparency have all contributed to a severe public distrust. This election year, it's critical that we see a change in the direction at the Port of Seattle. That's why I have decided to run for Seattle Port Commissioner and why I'm challenging Bob Edwards, an 8-year incumbent who is married to the status quo.

The Port of Seattle, like many US ports, faces serious challenges relating to emergency response and security. I have over 25 years of experience relating to disaster management, international trade and national security. Now after years working for the government, in the private sector and, most recently, at the University of Washington, I am committing my energy and experience to serving the larger public interest.

   
Family and Background

I was raised near Gloucester, MA, the oldest fishing port in America. One of 7 children, I learned early how to work hard, and my parents instilled in all of us the sense that anything was possible. I graduated public high school as valedictorian of our class, and moved to Washington DC to attend college, and continued to live and work in Washington DC post-graduation.  My husband Bob and I have lived in Ballard for nearly 20 years to be close to Seattle's maritime community.

Experience and Leadership

Senior Analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency

• 10 years providing U.S. military and civilian officials with estimates of threats to American national interests.
• Completed strategic vulnerability analysis on ports and facilities, nationwide.
• Developed disaster preparedness and emergency response plans for ports.

Vice President and Director for SAIC Global Technology

• Successfully managed budgets upwards of $30 million.
• Directly supervised multi-million dollar U.S. Government-funded technology development programs and multiple international subcontractors.
• Managed an $11 million dollar project for the Pentagon to provide safeguards against nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
• Reported to Al Gore's commission on global climate change, which helped develop standards to define climate change and the measurers needed to track it.
• Chaired the corporate employee committee, representing over 20,000 employees, and created audit structures, standards and practices for the company leadership to produce an ethical and productive work environment.

Special Assistant for Global Strategies, University of Washington Office of Global Affairs

• Manage global partnerships and develop funding for University of Washington research projects on disaster management, international trade, national security, and global health.

Community Involvement

Board President of FRAEC, Foundation for Russian-American Economic Cooperation

The mission of the Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation (FRAEC) is to further economic and community ties with Russia. FRAEC has successfully introduced and facilitated many extraordinary initiatives and partnerships. As board chair, I have been integral building a more secure world through cooperation with Russia.

Co-founder of University of Washington's Citizen Roundtable on Politics and Democracy

One of 3 major initiatives for the Center for Communication and Civic Engagement at the University of Washington, the goal of the roundtables is to increase voter participation in the political process. The group contains participants ages 18-80. Over nearly 2 years we have dramatically expanded involvement in the democratic process for 500 individuals in our community.

Co-founder of the Northwest Women in International Security

WIIS has more than 1,400 members in 47 countries. Members work on diverse issues affecting international security. In 2006 I organized a forum at the Port of Seattle, and brought in security experts from around the country to discuss imperative security issues for the Port of Seattle.

Chair of the Averill Education Fund

It's important for me to give back to my community. In my hometown, I created a committee and raised $100,000 to benefit education for inner city and urban youth in Massachusetts.

Organizational Membership

Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Trade Development Alliance, Washington Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Women's Political Caucus, and St. John student scholarship fund

Education

I graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in 1981, receiving a B.S. in Foreign Service and an honors certificate in International Business Diplomacy. In 1983 I received an M.A. in Government and National Security Studies from Georgetown University.

Honors & Awards

• In 1996 I had the honor of being the first representative of a foreign firm invited to speak to the Russian Parliament.
• I was awarded the Director of Central Intelligence's National Intelligence Medal of Achievement in 1989, and was the youngest person ever to receive this award in public at the time.
• SAIC is the largest employee-owned research and engineering company in the United States. I was awarded their "excellence in technological achievement award" for leading the team that deployed a strategically-placed seismic array.
• I have received two letters of commendation from the CIA for exceptional contributions to the Intelligence Community.