We have 2 big maritime innovation initiatives supported by the Port of Seattle and Maritime Blue happening or coming soon! Join us on January 20th to find out about the status of the Maritime Innovation Center and the “Second Wave” cohort of the Maritime Blue Accelerator. The Second Wave continues to engage on multiple demonstration projects from hydrogen infrastructure to vessel noise. You will hear from the following speakers:
Ryan Calkins was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in 2017. Ryan works as a nonprofit professional at Ventures, a charitable organization that supports low-income entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in the Puget Sound area. For more than a decade, Ryan ran an import and distribution company in Seattle that was recognized for its industry-leading sustainability initiatives. In 2007, he formed Seattle Microfinance Organization (SeaMo) a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs with limited economic resources. Ryan began his career in Central and South America, working for disaster relief and human rights nonprofits.
He received his Master of Arts from Yale University in International Relations and his Bachelor of Arts from Willamette University in Religious Studies. Born and raised in Edmonds by a public school teacher and a small business owner, Ryan now lives in Seattle with his wife and three children.
Commissioner Calkins focuses on sustainable economic development at the Port of Seattle, working to ensure that our region's prosperity is shared among all of our communities. Ryan balances current needs with a long-term vision for the Port of Seattle, to ensure that one of our region's most valuable public assets will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Stephanie Jones Stebbins is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in developing innovative business approaches to create financial success and community and environmental sustainability. Jones Stebbins spent three years in the Peace Corps and overseas consulting prior to joining the Port. In the role of Managing Director of Maritime, Jones Stebbins is responsible for directing the strategic and daily operations of Cruise Operations, Fishing and Commercial Operations, Grain, Recreational Boating, Industrial Properties and Marine Maintenance. As a Port of Seattle employee for more than nineteen years, Jones Stebbins has deep policy and planning experience that has led to very positive and innovative outcomes for the Port, while also handling operational projects.
Jones Stebbins has a successful track record of leading large teams to accomplish Port business and company goals. She has led the creation of two lines of business in the Environmental department, Stormwater Utility and Habitat, both generating revenue for the Port. She also led the strategic planning efforts to develop a vision and long-term plan for Fishermen’s Terminal. Jones Stebbins is an experienced leader of diverse teams. Skilled in project management and planning, Jones Stebbins delivered the completion of operations plan for Pier 66, the Port’s first Cruise Terminal, which included complex negotiations with permitting agencies, organized labor and other parties to develop a working operations plan. Commitment to achieving Port goals and community engagement Jones Stebbins is dedicated to the Port’s mission and goals and is a proven innovator and change leader. She has a strong interest in community engagement. Jones Stebbins has served on several boards and committees and is an award recipient of the Port of Seattle Women’s Outstanding Achievement Award.
Josh Carter, Program Director for Washington's Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator and Blue Ventures, is a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalists. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Josh spent over a decade working in the telecommunications industry before moving to the PNW with his family to start a business and help the local startup ecosystem. Having worked with top brands like Google, Disney, Pepsi, WeWork, Techstars and many more, Josh has used his creative background and military experience to grow efficient, impactful teams. Josh is married with three kids and can often be found outdoors when he's not working hard to help build the region's top-performing founders.