Port of Seattle names Beckett deputy CEO

   The Port of Seattle promoted Kurt Beckett to deputy chief executive officer with primary responsibility for port infrastructure development and internal operations.
   The move will allow Tay Yoshitani, the port’s CEO, to focus on business development, attracting new shipping lines and air services to Seattle, and advancing policy issues central to the port’s competitiveness.
   “We’re facing stiff competition from ports throughout North America,” Yoshitani said in a statement. “Most of the cargo we attract could easily call at another seaport.”
   Yoshitani will continue to oversee Sea-Tac International Airport, the port’s maritime cargo and cruise business, and the organization’s real estate holdings. He will also manage the port’s finances and budget and work closely with the port commission on internal audit matters, the port authority said.
   Beckett has served as Yoshitani’s chief of staff since 2010. He joined the port in 2007 as director of external affairs after senior staff roles with Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Norm Dicks.