SMEA Announces 2026 Winter Speaker Series Speakers for “Building a Port for the Future”
The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Winter Speaker Series, “Building a Port for the Future.” Hosted in partnership with leaders from the Port of Seattle, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, and the U.S. Coast Guard, this year’s series will explore how ports shape economic opportunity, community well-being, and environmental resilience across the region.
Running from January 8 through March 19, the series brings together senior executives, commissioners, environmental planners, SMEA alumni, and federal sector leadership for weekly conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing modern maritime systems. This series invites students and community members to engage directly with practitioners working at the forefront of maritime governance and innovation.
The series is co-organised by SMEA faculty Steve Metruck and Dave Fluharty, both of whom bring deep professional experience and long-standing relationships across maritime agencies.
2026 Speaker Lineup:
January 15
Maritime Infrastructure & Global Trade
John Wolfe, CEO, Northwest Seaport Alliance
January 22
The Port as a Civic Engine
Executive Director Steve Metruck, Port of Seattle & Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa, Port of Seattle
January 29
Maritime Transportation System: Safety & Security
Captain Mark McDonnell, Sector Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Puget Sound
February 12
Marine Energy & Decarbonization
Steve Metruck with the Port of Seattle Environment & Sustainability Center of Excellence
Featuring Sandy Kilroy (SMEA alum), Senior Director, and Alex Adams (SMEA alum), Senior Manager, Environmental Programs
February 19
Environmental Stewardship & Marine Life
Featuring Jon Sloan, Senior Manager, Kathleen Hurley, Senior Environmental Program Manager, and Delaney Cyphers (Hershman Fellow and SMEA alum)
February 26
Economic Impact & Community Equity
Featuring Bookda Gheiser, Senior Director, Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
and Andy Gregory (SMEA alum), Senior Program Manager, Maritime Industry Engagement