The Washington-state Port of Everett has hired Les Reardanz as the port's new executive second-in-command.
Reardanz, 45, is set to take over as the port's chief administrative officer in January, replacing the retiring Jerry Heller.
A graduate of Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles and a captain in the Naval Reserve, Reardanz currently serves as a legal adviser and waterfront project manager for the city of Bellingham. During his tenure at Bellingham, Reardanz played a key role in the city's effort to redevelop 220 acres of under-used waterfront property.
Everett port officials expect Reardanz to help the port streamline organizational processes and implement projects such as the Port Gardner Wharf redevelopment and the transfer of U.S. Air Force property to the port.
In his new role, Reardanz will also oversee port financial matters--including contracts and union negotiations--as well as oversight of the port's human relations.
The port, which is a key partner with local industrial firms such as Boeing, generates $3.6 billion in revenue to local businesses and $246.8 million in state and local taxes.
