Meet Cyrus
Cyrus Donato is the Puget Sound Inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), a global union representing nearly 20 million transport workers. He also serves on the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT), where he plays a vital role in combating labor exploitation and human trafficking in the maritime industry. With a strong focus on advocating for the rights of seafarers and fishermen, Donato has been instrumental in exposing labor abuses affecting foreign maritime workers — many of whom lack legal protections due to their immigration status. His leadership has advanced the fight against labor trafficking and wage theft, pushing for more robust enforcement of workers' rights and greater industry accountability.
Donato holds a Master’s degree in Homeland Security Studies from Tulane University, a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research and Computer Analysis from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He is a U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Officer and previously worked in maritime regulatory compliance with the Marshall Islands Vessel Registry with a portfolio comprising vessel operations and client relations. He is married to his wife Alison, a registered dietitian, and has two young children. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors and all the natural beauty the region has to offer.
“I have spent my career at the intersection of labor rights, maritime regulation, and public service—from recovering 1.5 million gallons of oil during the Deepwater Horizon response to overseeing multimillion-dollar dry docks in Colombia and Mexico. I understand both the economic and human stakes of port governance. My grandfather died working on Tacoma’s docks, and I carry that legacy in my commitment to family wage safe jobs, fair labor, and public accountability.”