We are excited to announce this amazing panel of SEA Airport experts discussing the latest in innovative marketing, airport renovations, safety and security, industry updates all while gearing up for FIFA Club World Cup '25 and World Cup '26 ⚽ ✈️ 🧳

Air Service Update: 

Ian Sharma, Air Service Development Manager

Ian Sharma is the Acting Assistant Director of Aviation Business and Properties and Manages SEA’s Air Service Development team. He is responsible for developing new international routes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and ensuring their long-term viability in the Seattle market. In his twelve years at the Port, he has worked to bring in over a dozen new international airlines, including recent new nonstop flights between Seattle and Munich, Manila, Copenhagen, and Zurich. Originally from North Carolina, Ian graduated cum laude from Vassar College in New York and has a master’s degree from the University of Washington.

Panel Speakers:

Preparations for FIFA World Cup, Julie Collins - Director, SEA Customer Experience Initiatives

Julie serves as the Director of Customer Experience Initiatives at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.  She established the Airport’s Customer Service Department in 2018 and led the launch of the airport’s first stand-alone brand with an emphasis on elevating the customer experience at SEA.  Julie is currently leading the work at SEA to prepare the airport for the thousands of visitors traveling to Seattle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  Julie has spent her career in public-facing external relations roles and joined the Port of Seattle in 2015.  She is a graduate of the University of Washington and a life-long traveler at SEA.      

Ongoing Projects, Keri Stephens - Director Aviation Facilities & Capital Programs

Keri Stephens is the Director of Facilities and Capital Programs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). In this role, he acts as the overall facility owner and asset manager. He also oversees the Planning  and Capital Programs departments, providing near to long term planning and capital program development into the overall capital improvement plan.

Security/Checkpoint reorganization, Wendy Reiter – Director Aviation Security

Wendy Reiter is the Director of Aviation Security and Emergency Preparedness for the Port of Seattle. The Director role encompasses the Port of Seattle’s Fire Department, Emergency Preparedness, Physical Security, and Credentialing Center. The Aviation Security team's vision is to enhance the physical safety
and security of the airport through a thoughtful approach to risk management, while ensuring that all TSA mandates are adhered to. Prior to her 24 year tenure with the Port of Seattle, Wendy was a sought after Station Manager for Southwest Airlines and the Director of Customer Service for Northwest Airlines. Wendy has been honored with numerous industry awards for her outstanding contributions to counter terrorism, aviation, leadership and customer service. Wendy is the current Chair of ACI North America, past Chair for Airport Council International World, past Vice Chair for the American Association of  Airport Executives (AAAE) Transportation Security & Policy, a member of the National Management Association (NMA), and past Chairperson of  Airport Council International North America. Wendy is a graduate of Great Falls University and completed the Advanced Management Program from the University of Washington in 2005.

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