Port of Vancouver USA CEO Julianna Marler

Julianna Marler, Port of Vancouver USA, CEO.

Photo courtesy of Port of Vancouver USA.

VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, U.S. — The Port of Vancouver USA board of commissioners voted 2-1 to hire interim chief executive officer (CEO) Julianna Marler as the port’s permanent CEO and executive director.

Marler, who was appointed interim CEO by the board in May 2016, was one of three finalists for the position. The other two were Edward Galligan, current executive director of the Port of Olympia, and Arthur Scheunemann, former president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County.

“We had three highly qualified candidates, and that made this a hard decision,” said Brian Wolfe, commission president. “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.”

Commission Secretary Jerry Oliver cast the dissenting vote, but said he would support the CEO selected by the commission.

“I’m excited for what lies ahead and look forward to working with Marler to realize the opportunities that will mean so much to this port and the community,” Oliver said.

“I deeply appreciate the commission’s support and the rigorous process they went through to select me as CEO,” Marler said. “The Port of Vancouver plays a significant role in building a strong, healthy and vibrant region, and I look forward to leading the port into a thriving future.”

The board of commissioners directed Jonathan Eder, port director of human resources, to negotiate terms of employment, including salary, benefits and a start date, which must be approved by the commission. The port expects to present this as an action item at the next regularly scheduled board of commissioners meeting on Feb. 14.

Through the Columbia River and national rail and road systems, the Port of Vancouver USA connects Clark County to the global marketplace. It is located on the Pacific coast with available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities and multiple transportation networks.