This is Maritime logo

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.

New videos are added regularly, so check back often to see what’s next.

Port, Maritime|253 and TPS logos

 

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. 

Technology Pathway

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.

Port Operations & Logistics

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.

Coming soon!

Videos featuring jobs that align with additional Maritime|253 pathways including: 

  • Advanced Maritime Manufacturing