Leadership

TJ Quandt, who has served as Harbor Senior Manager at the Port of Olympia since 2019, is a seasoned professional with over two and a half decades of extensive experience in the maritime industry. In his current capacity, he provides direction and oversight of the day-to-day operations, facility upkeep, strategic growth initiatives, and long-term planning for Swantown Marina, Boatworks, and Fuel Dock.

As the Harbor Senior Manager, he oversees a dedicated team of 13 staff members providing exceptional service to the boating community and coordinates with 30 volunteers engaged in the Harbor Patrol program.

His career reflects a deep commitment to various facets of the marine industry, including working in Alaskan fisheries, marine trades boat repair, and over 14 years in public sector Port authorities. In the public sector, he has over a decade of career experience managing four different marinas, two boatyards, an RV park, and numerous launch ramps, as well as working together with shipwrights, marina tenants, and non-profits/clubs, addressing diverse boating matters and organizing events.

With a holistic approach to addressing challenges, he emphasizes adaptability, continuous learning, and a pursuit of excellence, both personally and professionally, as essential for growth.

In addition to his role at the Port of Olympia, TJ currently holds influential positions, serving as a board member for the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA), the Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers (PCC), and the Association of Marina Industry (AMI).  With these positions, he maintains a unique position, actively contributing to the broader marine industry’s governance by representing Local/State maritime with NMTA, Regional/West Coast with PCC, and National with AMI.

He also serves as the chairman of the advisory board of the New Market Skills Center Diesel and Marine Technology program, demonstrating his commitment to education and industry collaboration. He is recognized as a Certified Marina Manager (CMM) by the Association of Marina Industry, highlighting his expertise and leadership.

While sustainability and collaboration remain focal points in his professional pursuits, TJ’s true passion extends to his family, community engagement, and a deep-seated love for boats and maritime events.