Port of Tacoma - Organization

Carl Benson loves nothing better than getting into a 45-foot dragon boat with 19 other paddlers, a drummer and a helmsman and competing hard, which he has done throughout the United States as well as in China, Australia and Canada. He also likes bringing others into his favorite sport.

The Port of Tacoma is an independent municipal corporation that operates under Washington state law (Title 53 of the Revised Code of Washington). Ports in Washington state are classified as special purpose districts. Learn more.

The Port is governed by five commissioners. The commission sets Port policy and direction, and approves all major expenditures. Commissioners are elected at-large by the voters of Pierce County and serve four-year terms.

The commission appoints chief executive officer, who is responsible for leading the Port and overseeing a staff of about 220 people. Learn more about the Port's executive leadership team. The commission also appoints the Port's treasurer, auditor and deputy auditor.

For an overview of how the Port functions, view the organizational chart (PDF).