Professor of Practice, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) Co-lead, SMEA Winter Quarter 2026 Speaker Series

Since 2018, Rear Admiral Stephen P. Metruck (U.S. Coast Guard, retired) has served as Executive Director of the Port of Seattle, where he leads an organization that balances maritime commerce with environmental stewardship, regional economic vitality, and community engagement.

Under his leadership, the Port has made significant progress in sustainability. He launched the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor First Movers Group—the first global partnership of cruise and port leaders committed to decarbonizing a cruise corridor. He also oversaw the expansion of shore power infrastructure, enabling cruise ships to connect to clean energy while docked in Seattle, WA.

He has led the Port of Seattle through some of the most dynamic and challenging periods in its history, demonstrating steady leadership and vision for the future. During the pandemic, he ensured uninterrupted operations across critical aviation and maritime services, while advancing major capital projects and prioritising the safety of frontline workers. As demand for travel and trade surged in the post-pandemic recovery, he spearheaded a historic capital improvement plan to modernize infrastructure, expand capacity, and enhance sustainability across Port facilities.

His ability to lead through crisis and growth alike has positioned the Port of Seattle as a resilient, forward-looking engine of regional prosperity

Admiral Metruck assumed his role at the Port following a distinguished 34-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, with expertise in marine safety, drug interdiction, port operations, and environmental protection. His assignments included serving as a Congressional Fellow advising Senator John Kerry on environmental and fisheries policy, and a diplomatic posting to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.

In recognition of his decades of maritime leadership, Admiral Metruck was named Puget Sound Maritime Public Official of the Year in 2022.  He holds a B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and an M.P.A. from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Selected Board Service

• Board of Trustees, Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce (2018–Present)
• Co-Chair, Board of Governors, World Trade Center Seattle (2018–Present)
• Board of Directors, Seattle Sports Commission (2023–Present)
• Defense Science Board Task Force on Homeland Defense (2016–Present)
• Board of Trustees, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT (2011–2016)
• Board of Advisors, U.S. Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, NJ (2011–2016)