The Port of Tacoma has selected Karen Matthias, of Matthias Consulting, as its new Alaska consultant.

Matthias has worked in Alaska's business, economic and political arenas for seven years, and as Consul at the Consulate of Canada in Anchorage from 2004 to 2009. Matthias established Canada's first presence in Alaska. She also worked for 10 years with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

"We are very pleased to have Karen on our team," said Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe. "Her skills, experience and network of contacts will benefit our Port and our community by continuing to develop our relationships with the Alaska business community."

Alaska is the Port of Tacoma's third largest trading partner, accounting for more than $3 billion in trade each year. Two major shipping lines, Horizon Lines and Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE), Inc., both serve Alaska from Tacoma.

A number of other Alaska-related companies, including Carlile, Lynden, The North West Company, the Odom Corporation and Trident, all have facilities at or near the Port of Tacoma.

Recognizing the significance of Alaska business and trade, the Port first hired an Alaska consultant in 1986. Shari Gross Teeple served as the Port's Alaska consultant for the past 25 years.

"Shari did a tremendous job for our Port and our community," said Tong Zhu, the Port's Managing Director, Commercial Group. "We are confident that Karen will continue to build on the excellent work that Shari has done for us."

Gross will work with Matthias and the Port briefly to ensure a smooth transition.

Matthias will remain based in Anchorage, where she has lived since 2004. Through her involvement in the Alaska State Chamber, Resource Development Council and other business groups, she has an extensive knowledge of the state's economic drivers and its potential large-scale resource development projects. She has also worked with Horizon Lines and TOTE representatives on the board of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce.

About the Port of Tacoma
The Port of Tacoma is an economic engine for South Puget Sound, with more than 43,000 family-wage jobs in Pierce County and 113,000 jobs across Washington state connected to Port activities. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port of Tacoma is among the largest container ports in North America. The Port is also a major center for bulk, breakbulk and project/heavy-lift cargoes, as well as automobiles and trucks.