Katie Gerard is the Senior Director of Human Resources at the Port of Seattle, bringing over 22 years of leadership in public sector HR. Known for her strategic vision and commitment to innovation, Katie oversees a team of 65 professionals supporting a workforce of more than 2,500 employees. Her portfolio spans the full spectrum of HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, compensation, benefits, and employee health and safety.

Before joining the Port, Katie served as Director of Human Resources for Thurston County, where she worked closely with elected officials to implement forward-thinking HR initiatives. Her earlier career includes leadership roles across four Washington state agencies, including the Department of Revenue and State Parks and Recreation. She has led major efforts in HRIS implementation, recruitment strategy, and policy reform.

Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from The Evergreen State College. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, deep understanding of public service, and passion for building inclusive, high-performing workplaces.