Sam Cho

Cho was born in Chicago, Illinois, but raised in Seattle, Washington, by his immigrant parents, who came to the United States in the late 1980s through the Port of Seattle from South Korea.[https://nwasianweekly.com/2020/01/commentary-sam-cho-on-the-importance-of-embracing-and-continuing-to-celebrate-diversity/ Sam Cho, on the importance of embracing and continuing to celebrate diversity]. Northwest Asian Weekly. 2020-01-10.

Cho attended Western Washington University in his freshman year of college, but transferred to American University where Cho holds a B.A. He was member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.[https://councilka.org/cka_member/sam-h-cho/ Sam H. Cho]. Council of Korean Americans.{{cite web|title=Sam Cho|website=Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity|date=2016-06-01|url=https://pikapp.org/sam-cho/|access-date=2021-12-17}} He later attended and a received a Masters of Science degree from the London School of Economics.[https://capaa.wa.gov/commissionerscpt/sam-cho/ Sam Cho]. Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

Cho was a congressional staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman Ami Bera from California's 7th congressional district. He was also a special assistant in the General Services Administration.

After the Obama administration ended, he returned to his home state of Washington to start a business in international exports and work in the Washington State Legislature for Senator Bob Hasegawa.

In 2018, Cho was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to serve as a commissioner on the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA).[https://capaa.wa.gov/commissioners/ Commissioners]. Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

In the winter of 2016, there was an opportunity to exploit the price differential of eggs in the midst of Asia's worst avian influenza (bird flu) pandemic. The bird flu wiped out chicken flocks across the region which resulted in an egg shortage. The price of eggs nearly tripled in countries like South Korea. In response, the South Korean government temporarily reduced import tariffs to 0% and subsidized freight cost to encourage egg imports to buttress the egg shortage crisis.[https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-south-korea-egg-shortage-20170124-story.html South Korea is coping with its worst outbreak of avian flu ever — and U.S. egg farmers are benefiting ]. Los Angeles Times. 2017-01-24.

In February 2017, Cho founded and served as the CEO of Seven Seas Export, a trading company that took advantage of the crisis. In 2 years, Cho exported over 2.5 million pounds of American egg products to Asia.[https://web.archive.org/web/20190327191425/https://www.circa.com/story/2017/09/21/business/sam-cho-of-seven-seas-export-sends-eggs-to-south-korea Here's how a young entrepreneur used a popular breakfast item to launch his own international company]. Circa. 2017-09-21.

In September 2019, Cho was a recipient of the 425 Business 30 Under 30 award.[https://425business.com/30-under-30-2019/ 30 Under 30]. 425 Business. 2019.

The Northwest Asian Weekly was founded in 1983 and is one of the most widely read and most influential Asian American & Pacific Islander newspapers in the greater Seattle region.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northwest-asian-weekly-announces-next-generation-of-ownership-after-41-years-302162417.html|title=Northwest Asian Weekly Announces Next Generation of Ownership after 41 Years|first=NW Asian|last=Weekly|website=www.prnewswire.com}} Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Northwest Asian Weekly had 9,500 papers in circulation and approximately 150,000 to 200,000 monthly views on their website. In January 2023, the Northwest Asian Weekly discontinued print and went digital only.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/seattle-chinese-post-shuts-down-nw-asian-weekly-goes-online-only/|title=Two Asian community newspapers in Seattle mark end of era|date=January 19, 2023|website=The Seattle Times}}

In May 2024, founder and editor Assunta Ng announced the sale of the publication with a new generation of ownership after her retirement. Cho was announced as one of the three owners and partners in the new ownership group that took over the Northwest Asian Weekly.{{Cite web|url=https://nwasianweekly.com/2023/01/why-saying-goodbye-is-hard/|title=Why saying goodbye is hard|date=January 19, 2023|website=Northwest Asian Weekly}} In the announcement, Cho stated his investment in the paper was driven mainly by the need to preserve the legacy of something that has been a staple in the community for over 40 years.{{Cite web|url=https://nwasianweekly.com/2024/05/northwest-asian-weekly-sold-assunta-ng-passes-the-torch-to-next-generation-ownership-group/|title=Northwest Asian Weekly sold — Assunta Ng passes the torch to next-generation ownership group|date=May 24, 2024|website=Northwest Asian Weekly}} Cho's vision for the publication is to expand the readership to reach the younger Millennial and Gen Z base of consumers by leveraging technology and social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, while preserving the base of legacy readers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/new-chapter-for-northwest-asian-weekly-after-decades-of-community-coverage/|title=New chapter for Northwest Asian Weekly after decades of community coverage|date=May 29, 2024|website=The Seattle Times}}

According to a 2023 financial disclosure report required by elected officials in the state of Washington, Cho has 25% ownership of NWAW Partners, LLC.{{Cite web|url=https://apollo.pdc.wa.gov/public/financial-affairs/statement/121619|title=public|website=apollo.pdc.wa.gov}}

File:Sam Cho Seattle Port Commission.jpg

In May 2019, Cho announced his campaign to run and replace Courtney Gregoire on the Seattle Port Commission.Macz, Brandon. [https://queenannenews.com/MobileContent/News/News/Article/International-exporter-seeks-Port-of-Seattle-Commission-seat/26/337/40214 International exporter seeks Port of Seattle Commission seat]. Queen Anne & Magnolia News. 2019-05-21.

Cho's priorities included the economy, environmental sustainability, accountability, transparency, and fighting human trafficking.

Despite a primary race with six other candidates including a former mayor,Vedantam, Keerthi. [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/10-candidates-are-competing-for-2-seats-on-port-of-seattle-commission/ Felleman trounces competition in Port of Seattle primary election; Cho and Degginger lead pack for other seat ]. Seattle Times. 2019-08-06. Cho came first place with 31.1% of the vote to move onto the general election.Brewster, David. [https://www.postalley.org/2019/08/07/a-pendulum-election-for-seattle/ A Pendulum Election for Seattle]. Post Alley. 2019-08-07.Vedantam, Keerthi. [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/port-of-seattle-primary-election-results-2019/ Felleman trounces competition in Port of Seattle primary election; Cho and Degginger lead pack for other seat]. Seattle Times. 2019-08-06.

In the general election,Warn, Daniel. [https://queenannenews.com/Content/News/News/Article/Former-Bellevue-mayor-international-exporter-square-off-for-port-commission/26/337/40425 Former Bellevue mayor, international exporter square off for port commission]. Queen Anne & Magnolia News. 2019-10-22. his opponent was former City of Bellevue Mayor Grant Degginger. Cho defeated the former mayor with 60.8% of the vote,Vedantam, Keerthi. [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/former-bellevue-mayor-degginger-concedes-to-cho-in-port-commissioner-race/ 10 candidates are competing for 2 seats on Port of Seattle Commission]. Seattle Times. 2019-07-22. becoming the first Korean American and youngest port commissioner since the founding of the port in 1911. He was sworn in on January 7, 2020.Ng, Assunta. [https://nwasianweekly.com/2019/11/blog-from-unknown-to-port-commissioner-how-and-why-cho-won-big-in-the-election/ From unknown to Port Commissioner—How and why Cho won big in the election]. Northwest Asian Weekly. 2019-11-14.Khashimova Long, Katherine. [https://www.seattletimes.com/business/cho-sworn-in-as-ports-only-minority-commissioner-voices-concern-about-immigration-and-border-policies/ Former Bellevue Mayor Degginger concedes to Cho in Seattle Port Commissioner race]. Seattle Times. 2019-11-07.

Cho was also endorsed by former Governor of Washington and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke.{{cite news|title=Biggest difference between 2 Seattle Port Commission candidates may be who's backing them|date=October 21, 2019|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/port-commissions-two-open-seats-include-a-hotly-contested-race-between-a-former-mayor-and-an-energetic-outsider/|work=Seattle Times|access-date=December 16, 2021}}

In May 2023, Cho announced his re-election campaign for a second term on the port commission with over 50 endorsements including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Attorney General Bob Ferguson.{{Cite web|url=https://nwasianweekly.com/2023/05/seattle-port-commissioner-sam-cho-announces-re-election-campaign/|title=Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho announces re-election campaign|date=May 17, 2023|website=Northwest Asian Weekly}} He won his bid for a second term unopposed with 98.8% of the vote.{{Cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Sam_Cho|title=Sam Cho|website=Ballotpedia}}

Washington State is considered the most trade dependent state in the United States where an estimated 40% of jobs are tied to trade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/apr/06/in-our-view-trade-wars-are-especially-bad-for-washington/|title=In Our View: Trade wars are especially bad for Washington|date=June 3, 2024|website=The Columbian}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wita.org/atp-research/the-export-import-bank-impact-on-washington-state-trade/|title=The Export-Import Bank: Impact on Washington State Trade}}

Cho led the effort to create an export accelerator program in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington State Department of Commerce, Greater Seattle partners, and the City of Seattle. The Greater Seattle Export Accelerator program provides export training, export advising services, and access to international trade opportunities for small businesses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.portseattle.org/news/commissioner-sam-cho-appointed-us-IGPAC|title=Port of Seattle Commission President Sam Cho Appointed to the US Intergovernmental Advisory Policy Committee on Trade (IGPAC)|website=www.portseattle.org}}

In September 2023, Cho was appointed by Ambassador Katherine Tai to serve on the U.S. Intergovernmental Advisory Policy Committee on Trade. The committee is composed of members who have expertise in general trade, investment, and development issues and provides policy advice to the United States Trade Representative.{{Cite web|url=https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2023/september/ustr-announces-new-intergovernmental-policy-advisory-committee-members|title=USTR Announces New Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee Members|website=United States Trade Representative}}

During his first term, Cho pushed to adopt new technology and platforms to upgrade and modernize the travel experience at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

In 2021, the Port of Seattle launched a free pilot program called SEA Spot Saver that allowed passengers to make reservations for TSA security screening ahead of their flights.{{Cite web|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2021/seattle-airport-testing-new-tech-allow-travelers-wait-virtual-line-security-screening/|title=Seattle airport testing new tech to allow travelers to wait in virtual line for security screening|website=GeekWire}} The virtual queue system was meant to help reduce wait times in security lines by allowing passengers to show up at their reservation times rather than stand in line. The pilot was initially with only Alaska and Delta Airlines but was rolled out airport-wide after seeing early success.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/washington/seattle/experiences/news/save-time-at-seatac-airport-with-sea-spot-saver-reservation-for-security-line|title=Breeze Through Airport Security With This New Spot-Saver Program|first=Ronny|last=Maye|date=November 23, 2022|website=Fodors Travel Guide}}

The airport also launched Order@SEA, a mobile ordering app that allows passengers to order food from airport concessions on their phones and get it delivered to their gate.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/need-a-bite-at-seattle-tacoma-airport-a-robot-will-now-deliver-food-to-you-at-your-gate/|title=Need a bite at Seattle-Tacoma airport? A robot will now deliver food to you at your gate|date=September 9, 2021|website=The Seattle Times}}

According to Cho, "waiting in line is the least fun and most stressful part of any trip" and technology can make the airport experience a better one."{{Cite web|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2021/seattle-airport-helping-travelers-avoid-lines-mobile-food-ordering-delivery-gate-via-robot/|title=Seattle airport helping travelers avoid lines with mobile food ordering and delivery to gate via robot – GeekWire}}

In January 2022, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was upgraded by Skytrax to a four-star airport, becoming only the second large hub airport in the US to receive four stars.{{Cite web|url=https://skytraxratings.com/seattle-tacoma-international-airport-becomes-the-latest-4-star-airport-in-the-usa|title=Seattle-Tacoma International Airport becomes the latest 4-Star Airport|first=James|last=Plaisted|date=January 27, 2022}} The airport was also named "Best Airport in North America" in 2022 and 2023 by Skytrax.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/sea-tac-airport-named-best-airport-in-north-america-2nd-year-in-a-row-survey-finds|title=Sea-Tac Airport named 'Best Airport in North America' 2nd year in a row, survey finds|date=March 15, 2023|website=FOX 13 Seattle}}

File:COP 27 John Kerry.jpg and other world leaders at COP 27 in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt]]

Cho has been an advocate of strong environmental practices within and across ports industries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.portseattle.org/news/port-leaders-pushing-decarbonization-united-nations-climate-conference|title=Port Leaders Pushing for Decarbonization at United Nations Climate Conference|website=www.portseattle.org}} As a managing member of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, Cho worked in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Energy to explore the feasibility of a "green trade corridor" between South Korea and the Pacific Northwest.{{cite web|url=https://kr.usembassy.gov/110722-u-s-republic-of-korea-joint-statement-announcing-collaboration-on-green-shipping-corridors/|title=U.S. – Republic of Korea Joint Statement Announcing Collaboration on Green Shipping Corridors|date=November 7, 2022|website=U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea}}

In November 2022, Cho traveled to South Korea to meet with officials of the Busan Port Authority. Immediately after, Cho traveled to Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, to announce the green shipping corridor between the Port of Busan and Northwest Seaport Alliance at the United Nations COP 27 conference alongside Climate Envoy and former Secretary of State John Kerry and other world leaders.{{Cite web|url=https://container-news.com/nwsa-busan-port-authority-collaborate-on-decarbonisation-initiative/|title=NWSA, Busan Port Authority collaborate on decarbonisation initiative|date=November 8, 2022|website=Container News}}{{Cite web|url=https://green-marine.org/stayinformed/news/northwest-seaport-alliance-announces-decarbonization-partnership-with-busan-port-authority/|title=Northwest Seaport Alliance announces decarbonization partnership with Busan Port Authority|website=Alliance verte — Green Marine}}

One of Cho's major focuses as a port commissioner has been in the area of combating human and labor trafficking.{{Cite web|url=https://www.schwabe.com/publication/port-of-seattle-how-to-stop-the-invisible-problem-of-human-trafficking/|title=Port of Seattle: How to Stop the Invisible Problem of Human Trafficking|date=April 14, 2021|website=Schwabe}} In January 2020, the Port of Seattle became the first port authority in the United States to provide proprietary training to all of the port's aviation and maritime employees on human trafficking awareness. Since the initial rollout, the Port of Seattle has received requests from other airports and port authorities to look at its model and provide similar training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/border-security/how-airport-and-seaport-employees-can-help-stop-human-trafficking/|title=How Airport and Seaport Employees Can Help Stop Human Trafficking - HS Today|date=April 18, 2020}} Awareness campaigns resulted in higher call volumes to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which Cho considers a positive outcome as it indicates more people are reaching out for help or reporting suspicious activity.{{Cite web|url=https://southseattleemerald.com/2021/01/23/port-of-seattle-human-trafficking-awareness-campaign-results-in-higher-call-volumes-to-national-human-trafficking-hotline/|title=Port of Seattle Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign Results in Higher Call Volumes to National Human Trafficking Hotline|date=January 23, 2021|website=South Seattle Emerald}}

In 2022, the Port of Seattle received the U.S. Department of Transportation's Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-highlights-departments-work-combat-human-0|title=U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Highlights Department's Work to Combat Human Trafficking | US Department of Transportation|website=www.transportation.gov}}{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/port-seattle-awarded-grant-combatting-183704642.html|title=Port of Seattle awarded grant for combatting human trafficking|website=Yahoo Sports|date=27 January 2023 }}

In July 2023, Cho was appointed by Secretary Pete Buttigieg to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking. This elevated the Port of Seattle's efforts on anti-human trafficking to the national level.https://www.transportation.gov/stophumantrafficking/acht{{Cite web|url=https://www.portseattle.org/news/commission-president-sam-cho-appointed-to-us-advisory-committee-human-trafficking|title=Commission President Sam Cho Appointed to US Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking|website=www.portseattle.org}} Cho stated in an interview that anti-human trafficking is one of the pillars of his work because so many victims are from the Asian diaspora.{{Cite web|url=https://nwasianweekly.com/2023/08/sam-cho-appointed-to-usdot-advisory-committee-on-human-trafficking/|title=Sam Cho appointed to USDOT advisory committee on human trafficking|date=August 1, 2023|website=Northwest Asian Weekly}}

Cho publicly endorsed and supported efforts to provide airline flight kitchen workers a $16 minimum wage at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Seatac). Flight kitchen workers were initially exempt from Seatac's Proposition 1 minimum wage ordinance because of jurisdictional issues.{{Cite web|url=https://crosscut.com/2019/06/while-airlines-rake-it-catering-staff-sea-tac-airport-threaten-strike|title=While airlines rake it in, catering staff at Sea-Tac airport threaten to strike | Crosscut|first=Lilly|last=Fowler|website=crosscut.com}} Cho provided public testimony in the Washington State Legislature in support of Senate Bill 6217 which gave the ports the authority to set minimum labor standards for certain employees at an airport.[http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/6217-S.E%20HBR%20APH%2020.pdf House Bill Report ESSB 6217].

File:Sam Cho We welcome our Afghan neighbors.jpg]]

In October 2020, Cho introduced and passed a motion on racial equity and addressing structural racism at the port. The motion assessed port policies to address systemic or institutionalized biases. It also mandated unconscious bias training across the organization and established a community advisory board.{{Cite web|url=https://southseattleemerald.com/2020/10/15/port-of-seattle-passes-motion-to-improve-racial-equity-in-its-workplaces/|title=Port of Seattle Passes Motion to Improve Racial Equity in Its Workplaces|date=October 15, 2020|website=South Seattle Emerald}}

When President Joe Biden announced the full withdrawal of the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan in July 2021, a crisis of refugees fleeing from the Taliban ensued. The Port of Seattle worked immediately to establish a space within Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to aid with the refugee resettlement efforts.{{Cite web|url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/puget-sound-afghanistan-refugees/281-b5c59a79-7ca9-4b65-b8ca-cc27d3bf15b0|title=Port of Seattle helps welcome roughly 3,000 Afghan refugees|date=February 15, 2022|website=king5.com}} Cho referenced his own family's difficulties immigrating to the United States as a reason for why the port needed to serve as a welcoming environment for refugees.{{Cite web|url=https://www.portseattle.org/blog/sea-airport-prepares-welcoming-environment-afghan-refugees|title=SEA Airport Prepares a Welcoming Environment for Afghan Refugees|website=www.portseattle.org}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyuw.com/pacific_wave/exploration_22/refugee-resettlement-efforts-help-afghan-arrivals-integrate-into-seattle-community/article_a3a98a5c-b893-11ec-bc12-3f38646f4663.html|title=Refugee resettlement efforts help Afghan arrivals integrate into Seattle community|first=Julia Park The|last=Daily|website=The Daily of the University of Washington|date=9 April 2022 }}

The established space was called the SEA Welcome Center and provided an area for resettlement agencies to welcome and assist refugees. The opening of the center was announced at a press conference with Cho and Washington State Governor Jay Inslee in October 2021 at the airport.{{Cite web|url=https://tvw.org/video/governor-jay-inslee-press-conference-2021101205/|title=Governor Jay Inslee Press Conference - TVW|website=tvw.org|date=22 October 2021 }}

• 2019, 425 Business Magazine "30 under 30" Award{{Cite web|url=https://www.425business.com/lifestyle/30-under-30-2019/article_2c501baa-b256-5428-99f4-0f74edb45bac.html|title=30 Under 30 (2019)|date=September 1, 2019|website=425Business.com}}
• 2020, New America "Next-Generation Asian American Pacific Islander Foreign Policy and National Security Leaders"{{Cite web|url=http://newamerica.org/better-life-lab/blog/2020-asian-american-pacific-islander-national-security-foreign-policy-next-generation-leaders/|title=Asian American and Pacific Islander Leaders in National Security|website=New America}}
• 2021, Seattle Met "100 of the Most Influential People in Seattle"{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2021/12/100-of-the-most-influential-people-in-seattle|title=The 100 Most Influential People in Seattle|website=Seattle Met}}
• 2022, American University "Rising Star" Alumni Award{{Cite web|url=https://www.american.edu/alumni/news/2022-alumni-award-winners.cfm|title=Announcing AU's 2022 Alumni Award Winners|date=March 18, 2022|website=American University}}
• 2023, Seattle Magazine "Seattle's Most Influential People"{{Cite web|url=https://seattlemag.com/features/politics-sam-cho/|title=Most Influential, Politics: Sam Cho|first=Chris S.|last=Nishiwaki|date=March 6, 2023|website=Seattle magazine}}
• 2023, Asian Hall of Fame Inductee{{Cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-hall-of-fame-announces-2023-inductees-301896239.html|title=ASIAN HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2023 INDUCTEES|first=Asian Hall of|last=Fame|website=www.prnewswire.com}}

A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Cho also serves on the Advisory Council for the Asia Society Seattle Center,{{Cite web|url=https://asiasociety.org/seattle/advisory-council|title=Advisory Council | Asia Society}} the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS),{{Cite web|url=https://www.apaics.org/nac|title=National Advisory Council|website=APAICS}} as well as on several boards, including those of the Seattle Symphony{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattlesymphony.org/about/governance|title=Governance | Seattle Symphony|website=www.seattlesymphony.org}} and Verity Credit Union.

Cho is also on the Forbes Business Council.{{Cite web|url=https://councils.forbes.com/profile/Sam-Cho-Commissioner-Port-of-Seattle/06029e42-d847-4176-95d3-5df532f544b5|title=Sam Cho | Commissioner - Port of Seattle|website=Forbes Business Council}}

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