After an extensive national search, the Port of Seattle has promoted Elizabeth Leavitt to lead its work to protect and enhance the environment. The senior director for environment and sustainability is a newly created position leading a center of expertise that consolidates environmental, sustainability, and planning functions. Leavitt will report to the chief operating officer (COO) and will serve on the CEO’s Executive Leadership Team.
“It is impressive that, within the large candidate pool, the Port’s own staff provided excellent people who rose to the top,” said Port COO Dave Soike. “This position is crucial in supporting the Century Agenda goals and the Commission’s goal to achieve the triple bottom line (environmental, financial and social) goals.”
Leavitt has worked for the Port for more than 26 years, initially as a senior environmental program manager and, for the past seven years, as the director of aviation planning and environmental programs. She has worked on projects at virtually all Port properties and facilities, from Shilshole Bay Marina to Sea-Tac Airport. During her tenure the airport moved to the leading edge in environmental achievements:
- First airport in North America to measure and demonstrate greenhouse gas reductions and to be accredited under the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program
- First airport to develop and implement a comprehensive environmental strategy plan
- First airport to advance aviation biofuels in our region in partnership with Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Washington State University and regional stakeholders
She has also been leading the development of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan, which will determine the land use and sustainability blueprint for the future of Sea-Tac Airport. She served on the Aviation Biofuels Working Group for Gov. Jay Inslee and was appointed to the Regulatory Advisory Committee by former Gov. Christine Gregoire.
Leavitt holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife resource management from West Virginia University and is past chair of the Airport Council - International World Environment Standing Committee.
