Veteran leader Alexandra “Alex” Smith has been chosen as the Port of Olympia’s new executive director, the port announced Feb. 13. Smith, who beat out more than 30 candidates for the top job to lead the Washington seaport, previously served as the port’s environmental programs director before working for the Washington Department of Natural Resources, according to news reports. The port praised Smith’s “forward-thinking approach” and “her commitment to sustainability and fostering economic development.” “We are excited to welcome Alex Smith as the new executive director of the Port of Olympia,” port Commission Chair Bob Iyall said in a statement.…