By Mark Edward Nero
On May 10, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Julianna Marler as the port’s interim CEO, effective May 20.
Marler steps up to the helm as current CEO Todd Coleman departs the port on May 19.
She has been with the Port of Vancouver since September 2008, and in October 2014 was appointed Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. As CFAO, her duties have included developing and establishing business policies; overall operational and budget responsibility for administration, contracts, information technology, finance and accounting; and ensuring that all activities and operations are performed in compliance with local, state and federal regulations and laws.
Prior to joining the port, Marler worked for the City of Vancouver for nine years as a procurement services manager, responsible for the purchasing, contract administration and accounts payable divisions.
“Julianna has exactly the skills we need right now,” port commission President Jerry Oliver said. “She is a well-respected leader with the right perspective for the projects and issues at hand, and she has the support of the port’s leadership team.”
Also during the May 10 meeting, the Board of Commissioners directed staff to begin the process of recruiting a new permanent CEO. The process, according to the port, is likely to take three to six months, and could include engaging with a recruiting firm to assist in the process.
Current CEO Todd Coleman said May 3 that he was stepping down from the position.
Coleman, an engineer by trade, began his career with the port in 2001, when he was hired as facilities manager. After three promotions, he was named deputy executive director in 2005. He was appointed CEO in 2012 and said at the time that he intended to lead the port for just four years.
