
Template revised April 12, 2018.
COMMISSION
DATE: January 14, 2025
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Glenn Fernandes, Director, Internal Audit
SUBJECT: 2024 Internal Audit Annual Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this memo is to brief the Commission and the public on audits performed in the
2024 calendar year. The 2024 Audit Plan was approved at the December 13, 2023, Audit
Committee meeting.
Internal Audit (IA) has completed 16 audits and identified 10 High Risk, 14 Medium Risk, and 3
Low Risk issues for management action. In addition, R.L. Townsend & Associates, an external,
independent auditor, who was engaged to audit General Contractor/Construction Manager
(GC/CM) construction projects, presented an Annual Audit Services Report at the December 5,
2024, Audit Committee meeting.
Implementation of the associated recommendations will strengthen internal controls, enhance
processes, and improve efficiencies. Internal Audit has a process in place where we periodically
follow up on recommendations and agreed upon management action plans to assure action is
taken. This process also relies on attestations from Management. Delinquent action plans are
periodically brought to the Audit Committee’s attention.
BACKGROUND
On December 11, 2007, the Port of Seattle (Port) Commission passed a motion, which resulted
in the creation of an independent and objective Internal Audit function. The Internal Audit
Charter was last updated and approved by the Audit Committee, the Commission President,
and the Executive Director on October 5, 2020. No significant changes have warranted an
update since then.
The Audit Committee serves as an arm of the Port Commission. For 2024, Commissioner
Hasegawa chaired the Audit Committee, and Commissioner Calkins served as the other
commission member. Ms. Sarah Holmstrom, CPA, a Finance Leader for Amazon Advertising,
served as the external member of the Audit Committee.