The maritime industry offers a wide range of high-impact careers that support communities, protect the environment and keep global trade moving. This video series highlights people working at the Port of Tacoma, The Northwest Seaport Alliance, and across the local maritime industry sharing what they do, how they got there, and what inspires them about working in this field. Their stories reflect the real-world career pathways available through Tacoma Public Schools’ Maritime|253 skills center, opening fall 2026.
Advanced Maritime Manufacturing Pathway
Drake Rashoff, Mechanic
Drake Rashoff works as a journey-level mechanic for the Port of Tacoma.
Devin Froud, Lead Crane Mechanic
Devin Froud leads a team that maintains container cranes and other equipment at the Port of Tacoma.
Port Operations & Logistics Pathway
Michael Elguera, Port Community System Manager
Michael Elguera manages the port community system for The Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Keven Snyder, Waterway Coordinator
Keven Snyder works as the waterway coordinator for The Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Mark Storslee, Operations Service Center Director
Mark Storslee leads the operations service center for The Northwest Seaport Alliance, which manages cargo at the Port of Tacoma and the Port of Seattle.
Technology Pathway
Yvonna Peterson, IT Support Specialist
Yvonna Peterson works as an IT support specialist for the Port of Tacoma and The Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Eddy Cruz, IT Security Analyst
Eddy Cruz works in cybersecurity at the Port of Tacoma, protecting the Port’s computer systems.
Ben Nield, Water Quality Analyst
Ben Nield is a water quality analyst for The Northwest Seaport Alliance and manages the drone program for the Port of Tacoma.
Sustainability Pathway
Melisa Kegans - Environmental Project Manager
Melisa Kegans works to clean up legacy industrial contamination on land owned by the Port of Tacoma.
Nicola Graham - Environmental Project Manager
Nicola Graham works to electrify the vehicle fleet serving the Port of Tacoma and marine cargo terminals managed by The Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Kristin Evered - Environmental Project Manager
Kristin Evered develops and maintains Port of Tacoma habitat sites and works on the Port’s environmental programs.
Graham VanderSchelden - Environmental Project Manager
Graham VanderSchelden works on decarbonizing the maritime industry, including bringing shore power to marine cargo terminals managed by The Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Sara Potter - Environmental Project Manager
Sara Potter oversees the Blair Waterway Deepening Program, which will increase cargo capacity at the Port of Tacoma and create a new habitat site using clean dredge material.