May 3, 2022

Dept. of Commerce

Washington Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown announced two new appointments to key leadership roles in the state agency. Veteran journalist Liz Rocca joins Commerce's executive leadership team as communications director, and Stephanie Bowman is Commerce's new maritime industry sector lead. Rocca joins Commerce from the King County Sheriff's Office, where she served as chief of staff and media relations manager. In addition to her role as a strategic and policy adviser, she managed all internal and external communications initiatives, and served as a liaison with the King County Council, Executive's Office and Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. Rocca was also a reporter and newsroom manager, including with Seattle television stations KIRO, KCPQ and KOMO. Bowman is responsible for developing and implementing state policies that support the sustainability and expansion of the maritime industry in Washington, and will work closely with maritime businesses, supporting international trade and shipping, Washington state export businesses, the commercial fishing industry and recreational boating. Bowman served for eight years as a commissioner for the Port of Seattle, where she led the effort to combine the marine cargo operations of the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, resulting in formation of the NW Seaport Alliance. Prior to her elected public service, Bowman worked on federal port, international trade and transportation policy in Washington D.C., and for more than 15 years on regional and state economic development issues.