WASHINGTON: The Port of Vancouver USA has a new leader. Actually, the new boss is, in a way, the old boss, at least for the last few months. Julianna Marler will fill the permanent CEO/executive director role after serving as interim leader since May. The Port’s Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to hire her full-time. Also in the running were Edward Galligan, the Port of Olympia’s executive director, and former Seattle Economic Development Council leader Arthur Scheunemann. “We had three highly qualified candidates, and that made this a hard decision,” said commission President Brian Wolfe, in a release. “I believe Julianna is best suited to take us forward and realize the vision this port has for connecting with the community and bringing economic benefit to our region.”
Despite casting a dissenting vote, Commission Secretary Jerry Oliver said in the release he’d support Marler. “I deeply appreciate the commission’s support and the rigorous process they went through to select me as CEO,” said Marler. “The Port of Vancouver plays a significant role in building a strong, healthy and vibrant region, and I look forward leading the port into a thriving future.” The Port is entering a critical time as the Vancouver region grows. Leaders, for instance, are developing plans to develop 10 key acres just north of the Interstate Bridge.
