Bio

John Creighton is a business lawyer who practiced on the east coast and overseas prior to returning to his home in the Northwest.   John was elected to the Seattle Port Commission in November 2005, and was chosen by his colleagues to serve as Commission President for two consecutive years (2007-2008).  John has also served on the audit and strategic planning committees of the Port Commission.

Before becoming a commissioner, John worked as a lawyer specializing in complex international transactions in the port cities of Singapore, Helsinki and Istanbul prior to returning home to Seattle.  John grew up on the Eastside of King County and is a graduate of Interlake High School.  He lives in Bellevue, with his extended family spread across the King County.

As commissioner, John has focused on keeping the Port strong as a jobs creation engine while increasing the agency’s commitment to the environment and making it a more accountable, socially responsible public agency.  He has also developed strong expertise in transportation and economic policy.  

In 2006, John was appointed by Governor Gregoire to the State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board and has also served on the Transportation Policy Board of the Puget Sound Regional Council. 

John has served on the advisory board of Visit Seattle (Seattle’s convention and visitors bureau) since 2010, and previously served on the board of the Economic Development Council for Seattle and King County.

John earned his B.A. and M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University.  After graduate school, he worked as a financial analyst with Goldman Sachs & Co in New York.   John went on to earn his J.D. from Columbia University.  Through active involvement in the community since returning home, John has gained the trust and  respect of a wide range of community leaders throughout the region.