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Kenneth Lyles

(Retired) Director Maritime Operations and Security at Port of Seattle

Kenneth Lyles is a dedicated professional with a background in Public Administration. He pursued his education at the Master's level in this field.

With a wealth of experience, Kenneth previously served as the Director of Maritime Operations and Security at the renowned Port of Seattle.

Highlights

Aug 10 · linkedin

After 40 years and thirteen jobs in Aviation and Maritime at the Port of Seattle, I am finally retiring. It has been a great ride! Last Thursday, the Port and City of Seattle shared their appreciation for my service with a farewell celebration at Port Headquarters, Pier 69. Celebrating my retirement were employees I helped along the way jump start their successful careers, elected officials who supported my work, and professionals who accepted me into their world as a champion of their industry and ally.

The ultimate sign of appreciation was the Mayor of Seattle, Bruce Harrell, designating Thursday, August 8, 2024, as "Kenneth Lyles Day" in the City of Seattle. That would only be topped by naming a street "Kenny Lyles Place" at the beloved Homeport of the North Pacific Fishing Fleet, Fishermen's Terminal.

Celebrating my retirement are a few of my personal and professional friends:

The incomparable Community and Civil Rights Leader, Mr. Eddie Rye; Owner of Tai Tung, the oldest Chinese Restuarant in the Seattle China Town International District, (90 years in business), 50+ year friend, Harry Chan; Retired SEA Airport Duty Manager, Anthony Barnes, Former UW team mate and three-time NBA Allstar Detlef Schremph and former BCC Team mate, Retired Seattle Center Director and current Central Washington University Board of Regents, Robert Nellams; SEA Airport Managing Director, Lance Lyttle and Sr. Manager Fishermen's Terminal, Rut Perez-Studer; Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell; President of Washington Maritime Federation and Freezer Longline Association, Chad See; General Manager of Fishermen's Finest, Inc., Kristian Uri; Blacks In Government Board Member and Seaport Finance Manager, LaCretiah Claytor; former CEO of the Port of Seattle, Mic Dinsmore; and the Managing Director of the Maritime Division, Stephanie Jones Stebbins.

The Port has given me opportunity to be a Public Servant for forty years. There has been no better calling than to serve the community in which we live. I love my city, and the original industry of this city, Maritime! As an African American, I think I left a mark on the local Maritime Industry! Cheers!

Jun 19 · linkedin

Tomorrow our country celebrates Juneteenth. Yesterday, our Chapter of Blacks In Government, "BIG", hosted the annual Juneteenth celebration at the Port of Seattle. I am proud to say that I manage at the first Governmental Agency in the State of Washington, (State, County, City), to commemorate this day with a paid holiday for employees. On November 20, 2020, even before Juneteenth became a Federal Holiday, the Port of Seattle Commission adopted, by resolution, the Holiday as advanced by Executive Director, Steve Metruck. Even before the resolution passed, Executive Director Metruck directed the Juneteenth Flag be hoisted at all its managed facilities from Sea Tac Airport to the South to Shilshole Bay Marina to the North.

Yesterday's celebration was catered by the famous Jones BBQ. Two outstanding and deserving high school students received college scholarships sponsored by the Port BIG Chapter, and all were entertained by Spoken Word artist group, The Griot (ɡrēō) Party Experience, featuring local spoken word artis Halisi!

Since 2003, the Port of Seattle has used Juneteenth as a way to bring community, (employees and guest), together for fellowship, to celebrate and to educate the significance of this historic day.

The Port of Seattle embraces Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as its Core Values, and it is embodied in celebratory events like the annual Juneteenth Celebration!

I am proud to say that the Port of Seattle and our Chapter of BIG did not disappoint!

Kenneth Lyles
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Location

Seattle, Washington, United States