Honoring

STATE SENATOR

CHRISTINE “TINA” TARTAGLIONE

Seamen’s Church Institute’s annual Spirit of the Port Award honors an individual who embodies the spirit and humanity of our regional port community.  It is a distinct pleasure to announce that Pennsylvania State Senator Christine “Tina” Tartaglione will be our 2026 honoree, in recognition of her dedicated leadership to our region’s ports. We will celebrate Senator Tartaglione at a luncheon on Thursday, March 5, 2026 11:30 am to 2:00 pm The Felt Factory 1523 East Wingohocking Street Philadelphia, PA  19124

Senator Tartaglione has spent her career fighting for Pennsylvania’s working families. A lifelong Philadelphia resident, she was first elected to the State Senate in 1994, becoming only the fifth woman in state history to do so. She has since made history as the first woman elected to Senate Democratic Leadership and now serves as Democratic Whip. For years, she chaired the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, where she led efforts to raise wages, strengthen worker protections, and modernize Pennsylvania’s unemployment system. She authored Pennsylvania’s landmark minimum wage increase in 2006, fought to end mandatory overtime for healthcare workers, and helped create the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers to address workforce shortages. Senator Tartaglione has also been a champion for voting rights, disability advocacy, and public safety. She serves on multiple key committees, including Intergovernmental Operations, Legislative Budget & Finance, Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Labor & Industry, Law & Justice, Rules & Executive Nominations, and Ethics. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award for mental health advocacy and the Firefighters Friend Award from Philadelphia’s first responders. Whether pushing for fair wages, healthcare access, or worker protections, she has never stopped fighting for the people of Pennsylvania.

David K. Cuff and Robert W. Palaima, members of the SCI Board and Spirit of the Port Selection Committee, commented on the choice of Senator Tartaglione as this year’s honoree: “Senator Christine Tartaglione’s immense personal integrity is matched by her boundless determination to help working families,” said Mr. Palaima, former President, Delaware River Stevedores.  “As a result of these traits, she sees the Port as an engine generating quality jobs and a vehicle taking Philadelphia to the highest rank among truly global cities.” Captain Cuff, President of the Pilots Association for the Bay and River Delaware, stated “Senator Tartaglione embodies the true Spirit of the Port through her unwavering commitment to working families, community strength, and public service. Her leadership reflects the values that keep our Port and the people behind it moving forward.” We look forward to joining with members of the Delaware River port community to honor this distinguished individual.  Please call Rebecca Pierson at 215-940-9900 for sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets.