Committed to delivering on his promises, the port’s risk management and safety department technician gives his all whether he’s coaching basketball or processing property and injury claims.
The sounds of rubber-soled shoes squeaking on the hardwood floor, the swish of a ball through the hoop and the playful banter of teammates fills the basketball gymnasium.
“The gym is like my second home,” said Anthony Judie, technician in the Port’s risk management and safety department.
Judie has coached high school and select basketball for nearly two decades, teaching players the game and translating the lessons learned through team sports to real life.
“You can learn so much from sports in general about how to get along with others and how to deal with disagreements,” Judie said. “If you can work on a team and learn how to deal with conflict and how to communicate, when you get to the workforce, you’ll be much better prepared.”
Judie joined the Port’s maintenance department in October 2007. When his position was eliminated two years later, he moved to the customer service department to help manage breakbulk exports and fill in at the reception desk.
Judie began splitting his time between customer service and risk management in 2011, moving to the risk management and safety department full time in 2013. Today, Judie processes all property and worker injury claims and assists with the Port’s safety program. He also serves as vice president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 22.
“One of the great things about Anthony is that he instills trust in people,” said Lou Paulsen, director of strategic operations projects and risk management, and Judie’s supervisor.
“That’s important because customers and employees are counting on him to process their claims accurately and quickly.”
Energetic and exceedingly polite, Judie is relentless in tracking down information or answers to questions in order to process a claim. When he makes a promise, he keeps it.
“If I start something in my job, I’m going to follow all the way through because I’m that person’s contact,” he explained. “That person is relying on me.”
A self-described “people person,” Judie said his interactions and relationships with others—whether they’re fellow employees, tenants, customers or insurance representatives—are a big part of why he enjoys his job.
It’s also one of the reasons he regularly volunteers to represent the Port at community events throughout the year, educating the community about the jobs international trade and port activities bring to Pierce County. He grew up in Tacoma but didn’t realize the Port’s economic impact until he started working here.
The team mentality he works to instill in his basketball players is reflected in his commitment to the Port. It all comes back to supporting his crew.
“I’m on team Port of Tacoma,” he said. “I’m going to do whatever I can do to help the Port be successful.”
All about Anthony
Born:
Evreux, France
Joined the Port:
2007
Family life:
Four siblings, one son, one grandson
Hidden talent:
Karaoke singer
Random fact:
When he was a kid, he wanted to be a jockey or truck driver
More stories
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