Colleen E. Wilson, chief of police in Sumner for nearly five years, will take over as chief of the 130-person Port of Seattle police department around August 1.
"Colleen Wilson is exactly the right leader to make our police department one of the best in the country," said Port CEO Tay Yoshitani. "She is an experienced chief, has received the respect and recognition of her peers in law enforcement, and has the mix of skills and experiences that are essential for this important job."
In Sumner, Wilson directed 20 commissioned officers as well as emergency communications and animal control. The Sumner police also provide services on contract to neighboring cities.
Before moving to the Sumner force in 2002, Wilson, 56, was responsible for officer certification on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Before that, she was chief of police in Monroe. She began her career as an assistant city clerk in Monroe and rose through the ranks as a police officer, sergeant and lieutenant before being named chief in 1993.
Wilson has been a vice president of the state's association of sheriff's and police chiefs and was the first female chief of police in Washington.
"The Port of Seattle is a major gateway to the world, making their police department a vital law enforcement organization," Wilson said. "I am honored to have been selected as their chief and look forward to building on the foundation of 35 years of proud service."
She replaces Tim Kimsey, who retired earlier this year. Gale Evans, who has been acting chief, will remain as deputy chief.
"I am very pleased with this appointment and want to add my congratulations to Chief Wilson in this new assignment," said John Creighton, president of the Seattle Port Commission. "Tay worked quickly to fill this position at a very important time for the port police. We need a strong leader who will set a new direction for the police department, establish expectations for the department and hold officers accountable to those expectations, and I welcome Chief Wilson to the Port."
