Port CEO Moves to Consolidate Procurement, Construction Management

New Capital Development Division builds on audit reforms already underway

Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani announced a major reorganization today, implementing changes that consolidate contracting, procurement, and project management. The new Capital Development Division will house existing engineering and construction functions and the Port's new Central Procurement Officer, a position recommended by the State Auditor's performance audit. The move reflects the CEO's desire to increase the accountability of the Port's procurement and construction management.

"I have carefully considered how best to restructure the Port's procurement and construction services, so that they are as efficient and effective as possible," Yoshitani said following the announcement. "I am confident this change will enable the Port to complete complex, difficult construction projects while ensuring that dollars are spent wisely."

Yoshitani will hire a Managing Director of Development to supervise the approximately 200 staff members consolidated from the Port's operating divisions. The new position will be part of the Port's Executive team, reporting directly to the CEO. He expects the new division to be fully operational by summer.

"This reorganization reflects our ongoing commitment to improving how the Port manages major capital projects," said Port Commission President John Creighton. "The Port of Seattle is reforming how we do business - and this change will provide the Commission and Tay with more direct oversight of our construction practices."

Port of Seattle transportation facilities support nearly 200,000 jobs in the Puget Sound region and generate more than $12 billion in business revenue and $626 million in state and local taxes annually.