In Honor of Pat Davis and Her Contributions to Trade in Washington State

For Immediate Release  ·  October 19, 2026

SEATTLE — WCIT mourns the passing of Pat Davis, former Port of Seattle Commissioner and former president of WCIT, who died October 3 at age 91.

Pat was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in 1985, becoming its first woman commissioner, and served for 24 years. During her tenure, she helped guide the development of the Central Waterfront, the Bell Harbor International Conference Center and cruise terminal, and major improvements at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. She also served as president of WCIT.

“Pat Davis believed Washington’s future was tied to the world, and she spent her career making sure Seattle had a seat at the table,” said Lori Otto Punke, president of WCIT. “She helped build the port and airport facilities that connect our exporters, importers, farmers, and workers to global markets, and she had the confidence to invite the world’s trading system to our doorstep. She also opened doors for the women who followed her into port and trade leadership. WCIT is proud to count her among the leaders who shaped this organization and made the Northwest a better place to live and work. We extend our deepest condolences to her family.”

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