Peter Hirthe, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

Peter Hirthe is the Director, Office of Trade and Economic Development at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS). In this role, he oversees a staff of international trade specialists who collaborate with Great Lakes ports, terminal operators, carriers, and shippers to catalyze growth in maritime trade through the St. Lawrence Seaway's maritime corridor. Additionally, he advises GLS senior leadership and represents the GLS in various domestic and international capacities. 

Having previously been the GLS' Great Lakes Regional Representative, Peter has firsthand knowledge of the maritime infrastructure and waterfront development potential within the system and understands the various terminals' cargo handling capabilities. He leverages this familiarity to effectively connect ports and terminals with international cargo and economic development opportunities. 

Prior to arriving at the GLS, Mr. Hirthe was the Trade Development Representative for Port Milwaukee, a Project Manager in the construction sector, and a Process Improvement Engineer in the manufacturing sector. Mr. Hirthe resides in the Great Lakes port city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Marquette University.