The Port of Seattle Commission today selected industry veteran Tay Yoshitani as the Port's new chief executive officer, replacing Mic Dinsmore, who has announced his resignation.

Yoshitani has led Ports in Oakland and Baltimore and was deputy executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. Born in Japan, he is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds a master's degree in business administration from Harvard University. He received airborne and ranger training in the Army prior to service in Vietnam, and was discharged with the rank of captain. He currently is a consultant and lobbyist in Washington, D.C.

"We are thrilled to have found a candidate with Mr. Yoshitani's great experience in the complex areas we focus on as a port," said commission president Patricia Davis. "He has run a seaport and an airport, and has broad experience in real estate development."

Davis said Yoshitani emerged as the No. 1 candidate in a very competitive selection process.

"Port commissioners John Creighton, Bob Edwards, Alec Fisken and Lloyd Hara and I were unanimous in this selection," Davis said.

"Mr. Yoshitani will be a real asset to the economic competitiveness of this region," she said. "He knows the industry and can lead the Port of Seattle as it continues to grow and provide jobs, business opportunity and environmental leadership in our area."

Yoshitani, who was in Seattle for the commission vote, said he is looking forward to "one of the most interesting jobs in the country. There is a lot going on in all aspects of the Port operations, and working with business and various layers of government is a fascinating challenge beyond that of the private sector."

"The Port of Seattle has long been a leader in its commitment to international trade and regional economic development," he said. "Its role in the international trading system is a national asset. I look forward to continuing and building on that success."

Yoshitani is expected to report for work in March after finishing work on existing contracts on the East Coast. Dinsmore, Port CEO for the past 16 years, will remain through the transition period.