Port Commission Appoints Tiffany DeSimone as Executive Director
The Port of Bellingham Commission is excited to announce that Tiffany DeSimone has accepted the position as the Port’s next Executive Director, following a deliberate and forward-looking selection process focused on leadership, accountability, and long-term community outcomes.
The Commission’s selection of DeSimone from a field of almost 100 candidates reflects its commitment to strong public stewardship, economic vitality, and transparent governance. As Executive Director, DeSimone will implement the Commission’s policy direction and strategic priorities, including responsible waterfront redevelopment, airport diversification by focusing on air service development, support of general aviation and aeronautical industry recruitment, support for local maritime business and marine trades, and preservation of public access to Whatcom County’s shoreline.
“Our responsibility as elected officials is to ensure the Port delivers for the people of Whatcom County—today and for generations to come,” said Commission President Michael Shepard. “Tiffany brings the integrity, experience, judgment, and community connection necessary to carry out the Commission’s vision. She understands that economic development, environmental stewardship, and public access are not competing priorities—they are commitments we must advance together.”
A lifelong resident of Whatcom County, DeSimone has dedicated her career to public service at the Port. Over more than a decade, she has led complex maritime operations and strengthened partnerships with industry, labor, and community stakeholders. Most recently, prior to stepping up as the Port’s Interim Executive Director, DeSimone served as Director of Maritime, overseeing and growing the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, Squalicum Harbor, Blaine Harbor, Facility Rentals, The Marine Life Center and Port Security— all critical assets and operations that support regional jobs and economic activity.
The Commission emphasized that this appointment comes at a defining moment for the Port, as it advances major investments in infrastructure at the shipping terminal, the airport, waterfront redevelopment, Blaine industrial area, and community-serving assets. Commissioners have prioritized a balanced approach—one that supports business retention and expansion and family-wage jobs while protecting the environment and maintaining meaningful public access to the waterfront.
“As Executive Director, my role is to carry out the Commission’s vision with integrity, transparency, and a focus on results,” said DeSimone. “I am proud to serve the community where I was raised and to help shape a waterfront that reflects our maritime heritage, optimizes our many transportation gateways including our marine terminals and the airport, supports our business community, honors public access, and creates lasting opportunity. It’s a tall order and one that I know this community can come together to ensure our values are aligned. We are stronger together with action rather than divided with inaction.”
From commercial fishing and boatbuilding to global trade and recreation, Whatcom County’s maritime legacy continues to define the region’s identity and economy. The Commission’s leadership, paired with DeSimone’s operational experience, positions the Port to build on executing the communities’ visions with a renewed focus on accountability, innovation, and community partnership.
Under Commission direction, the Port will continue to:
- Advance strategic waterfront redevelopment that integrates economic development, environmental restoration, and public access
- Create a Bellingham International Airport gateway that reflects the pride of Whatcom County
- Support, retain and grow the local business community, including marine trades and industrial partners
- Ensure responsible management of public assets with transparency and fiscal stewardship
- Honor and strengthen Whatcom County’s maritime heritage while preparing for future opportunities
DeSimone will assume her role immediately.
About the Port of Bellingham
The Port is a countywide municipal corporation with a mission to fulfill the essential transportation and economic development needs of the region. Throughout Whatcom County, the Port owns, operates, and maintains approximately 1600 acres of property, including a shipping terminal, a cruise terminal, two marinas, industrial development areas, commercial uplands, parklands, shoreline public access areas, and an international airport. For more information, please visit www.portofbellingham.com
