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Commissioner Code of Ethics Investigation Report: Commissioner Fred Felleman

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Port of Seattle
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A May 2023 ethics investigation report from the Port of Seattle found that Commissioner Fred Felleman violated the Commissioner Code of Ethics by using his official position to seek special privileges and treatment for himself in connection with the Quiet Sound orca conservation program. The investigation also found evidence that he used his commissioner role to retaliate against a Port employee he believed had opposed one of his personal requests to an outside organization. The complaint's third allegation — that Felleman discriminated against an employee based on gender — was not substantiated by a preponderance of the evidence.

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Ethics investigation report dated May 5, 2023, prepared by attorney Jillian Barron of Sebris Busto James on behalf of the Port of Seattle Commission Board of Ethics (members William Barret, Josh Friedmann, Lindsay Pulsifer). Investigates complaints against Port Commissioner Fred Felleman alleging violations of the Code of Ethics for Port Commissioners, including: using his commissioner position to secure special privileges or exemptions; retaliating against a Port employee who opposed a personal request Felleman made to an outside organization; and gender discrimination. Investigation substantiated that Felleman sought special privileges using his commissioner position in connection with Quiet Sound, a marine conservation program under Maritime Blue NGO related to Southern Resident Killer Whale (orca) protection and the NWSA Leadership Committee. Report concludes retaliation elements partially met but formal retaliation claim not established; gender discrimination allegation not substantiated by preponderance of evidence. Felleman is sole proprietor of Wildlife and Visual Enterprises (WAVE) and has served on the Port Commission since 2016.

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