Strategies 360 CEO and Leadership

Kurt brings nearly two decades of experience in high-level organizational strategy, management, operations, marketing, and public affairs to Strategies 360. His ability to bring multiple interests together to solve complex problems stems from his personal philosophy: to tackle the hard issues, you must collectively have the will, trust and focus to get the win.

Most recently, Kurt served as Deputy CEO of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, a first-of-its-kind in North America marine cargo operating partnership, which he helped broker while serving as Deputy CEO of the Port of Seattle. His work was instrumental in pulling together the complex moving parts of two major Port systems, resulting in the successful Alliance partnership.

Prior to the NWSA, Beckett held various roles with the Port of Seattle, leading to his post as Deputy CEO. Throughout his time at the Port, Beckett worked on internal and external affairs, including overseeing the organization’s government, communications and community relations, infrastructure development, police, tourism and office of social responsibility. During his tenure there, Beckett helped shape strategic initiatives to make the Port more efficient, transparent and sustainable.

Kurt also brings a respected background in Washington state politics, having served as District Director for Congressman Norm Dicks and Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell. In this role, he was responsible for all aspects of the U.S. Senate office operations, including building organizational infrastructure to set up operations across seven offices while implementing the Senator’s strategic agendas. He also helped oversee the Senator’s successful re-election campaign in 2006.

Kurt commits time to public service, sitting on several boards including the University of Washington Tacoma’s Center for Urban Waters board and the University of Washington Center for Supply Chain, Transportation & Logistics Advisory Board. He also serves on the Washington State Maritime Blue board, the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, and the International Association of Ports & Harbors Climate & Energy Committee.

Melanie Mihara See is a government affairs and public policy professional with 20 years of experience. As Chief of Staff, Melanie assists S360 leadership in carrying out strategic projects to support the firm’s growth. Previously, Melanie worked in the Washington, D.C. office of S360 where she lobbied for clients on a variety of issues. She has successfully secured government and charitable grants and Congressional appropriations for clients.

Outside of consulting work, Melanie served as Chief of Staff at a national minority business development nonprofit. There, she assisted the President & CEO to oversee the organization’s operations, plan large-scale business conferences, and execute strategic initiatives. Melanie also spent six years serving in the Office of U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, where she worked on budget policy, community relations, and assisted organizations to secure federal funding.

Melanie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University in political science and mathematics. She caught the political bug after reading Nine and Counting: The Women of the Senate and went on to intern for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray during college. Outside of work, Melanie can be found volunteering at Seattle Children’s Hospital, working away at the New York Times crossword puzzle, and enjoying the Seattle area’s diverse restaurant scene with her husband and daughter. Melanie is a proud Japanese-American and native Washingtonian.

As Chief Creative Officer, Pep is responsible for leading and integrating all S360 creative services including brand, design, advertising, digital marketing, web design, videography and S360 Cultura-the firm’s division dedicated to progress for communities of color. She has worked for international, national and regional companies and non-profits across diverse B2B and B2C industries. Her career spans the fields of marketing, brand development, communications/PR, community outreach and more. Pep is a recognized leader who executes strategic and creative results to drive engagement, thought-leadership and brand loyalty as well as profit and market share growth. Working in health care, architecture and design, public affairs and agencies among other industries for the last 30 years, she has mastered the integration of creative services with business goals.

Additionally, Pep is an advocate for diversity in education and has volunteered and served on the boards of several non-profit organizations including The Martinez Foundation and The Technology Access Foundation (TAF). She is a Seattle native with a young son as well as a proud Husky and graduate of the University of Washington with degrees in communications and ethnic studies. As a self-described adrenaline junkie away from work, she enjoys high-speed motorsports and any activity outdoors.