On Tuesday, Karen Goon, the administrator of Kitsap County, began her new position as the deputy executive director of the Port of Seattle.
She takes over for Dave Soike, who had been in the job since 2016 and had worked for the port for more than four decades before to her appointment.
As Goon works to carry out the port’s strategic goals, she will be responsible for overseeing a variety of operational aspects, including procurement, engineering and construction, as well as the Port of Seattle Police.
Goon has approximately nine years of experience working as the administrator of Kitsap County. Prior to that, he had a variety of positions at Pierce County Public Works and Utilities, including support services manager. At Seattle University, she was awarded both a bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s degree in public administration.
“After conducting a thorough search amongst dozens of candidates throughout the country, Karen’s qualifications stood out in terms of the breadth and depth of her experience in the Puget Sound region,” Port Executive Director Steve Metruck stated in a press release. “Karen’s qualifications stood out in terms of the breadth and depth of her experience in the Puget Sound region.”
“I am excited about Karen becoming a member of our leadership team. He stated, “She brings decades’ worth of knowledge and experience in public service that will help us deliver for the people of King County and the customers the Port of Seattle serves across the state.”