Posted on September 10, 2025
The Port of Seattle announced today that Christopher Wimsatt has been selected as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Wimsatt joins the Port after most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Airports for the Sacramento County Airport System. As the new CFO, Wimsatt will oversee the Port’s financial reporting and management of its annual operating budget and five-year capital plan.
“The Port of Seattle’s success as an economic engine and job creator is tied directly to our financial management,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “Chris’s experience in aviation, general purpose government, and the private sector is the kind of background we need to manage the complexities of our industries and facilities. With our top-notch finance team and Chris’s leadership, the Port will continue to steward public dollars, expand opportunities for local businesses and communities, and make investments that will prepare our port for the future.”
“I’m excited to join the Port of Seattle and bring my experience in the aviation industry to the Pacific Northwest,” said Wimsatt. “The Port of Seattle and its gateways are critical to the economic success of the region, and its strong financial performance brings huge benefits to the region. I look forward to joining the Port team, learning about the operations of our gateways, and supporting the long-term financial success of the Port.”
Wimsatt previously held roles as the deputy director and chief financial officer at the Sacramento County Airport System, and as the division manager and chief financial officer of the Department of Aviation for the City of Dayton, Ohio, as well as spending time in the financial and banking sectors. He has received multiple professional awards, including the 2024 Airport Finance Professional of the Year from Airports Council International—North America and the 2023 Public Finance Rising Star Award from The Bond Buyer.
About the Port of Seattle
Founded in 1911 by a vote of the people as a special purpose government, the Port of Seattle’s mission is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.
The Port owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Fishermen’s Terminal — home of the North Pacific fishing fleet — and public marinas. The Port also owns two cruise ship terminals, a grain terminal, real estate assets, and marine cargo terminals through its partnership in the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Port of Seattle operations support nearly 205,000 jobs and more than $12 billion in wages throughout the region. Over the next 12 years, the Port’s Century Agenda seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port. Learn more at the Port’s website.
