Dawn Hunter Rises to Director of Aviation Commercial Management at SEA

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) recently announced that Dawn Hunter will serve as the director of aviation commercial management, effective Aug. 3.

Hunter was first hired at the Port of Seattle in 2017 as the senior manager of airport dining and retail at SEA. A transformational leader, Hunter established strong partnerships both within and external to the Port. She led the final phases of the dining and retail redevelopment at the airport to increase options for travelers and expand access for small and local businesses, which is adding more than 50 restaurants and shops at SEA between 2019 and 2021. Just last year, Hunter and her team opened over 20 restaurants and stores such as Lucky Louie Fish Shack, Poke to the Max, Skillet and Elliot Bay Book Company. More women- and minority-owned businesses (WMBE) operate at the airport than at any time in our 71-year history.

“While aspects of our work changed due to COVID-19, our vision for the airport is the same,” said SEA Managing Director Lance Lyttle. “We are globally competitive, committed to equity, and deeply focused on the customer experience at SEA. Dawn embodies our values. Adding her to our airport leadership team reinforces that this is our path to the future.”

As director of aviation commercial management, Hunter will implement an integrated strategic plan to drive sustained business development at the airport, including airport dining and retail, rental cars, parking and ground transportation. She will develop sources of non-aeronautical revenue and capitalize on new business opportunities while representing the interests of tenants and business units when developing policies. Ultimately, Hunter will cultivate and lead a critical part of the airport economy.