Executive Moves: Port of Seattle and Breakthrough

Katie Gerard is hired in Washington; Matt Balzola is promoted in Wisconsin.    Katie Gerard will join the Port of Seattle as the senior director of human resources on Nov. 30.
   Gerard has spent her entire career in public service and has more than 20 years of experience in human resources. She most recently was the head of human resources for Thurston County, Wash.
   The position reports to Executive Director Stephen P. Metruck and oversees 45 employees serving a workforce of more than 2,000.
   
   Breakthrough, described as a pioneer in the field of transportation energy and information management, has promoted Matt Balzola to vice president of go to market. 
   Balzola had served as vice president of business development. In his new role, he will lead the team as it creates and executes marketing and sales strategies. Balzola also will be tasked with enhancing the organization’s presence in the market while continuing to expand Breakthrough’s client base. 
   Balzola has been with Breakthrough, based in Green Bay, Wis., for nearly four years. He previously worked with several national suppliers in the transportation industry.