By Mark Edward Nero
After fifteen years with the Port of Vancouver USA, Todd Coleman is stepping down from his role as CEO effective May 19, he and the port confirmed May 3.
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.
“I believe everyone has a season,” Coleman said in a statement explaining his impending departure. “I committed to leading this amazing organization for four years, and we’ve accomplished so much in that time.”
Among the accomplishments by the port under Coleman’s leadership:
• A more than doubling its acreage, growing to over 2,100 acres of industrial and ecological land along the Columbia River.
• An increase in its annual operating revenue from $32 million to $38 million.
• Improvement in the depth and breadth of cargo handled. The port now moves nearly seven million metric tons of cargo per year, including grain, automobiles, wind energy components, fertilizer, minerals, steel and wood pulp.
• The construction of a new rail entrance to the port and relocating tracks to reduce congestion and keep goods moving through Vancouver.
• The launching of redevelopment of the port’s first marine terminal – Terminal 1 – which was built in the 1920s.
In March, the port reported that 2015 was its best year ever for both revenue and tonnage in the port’s 104-year history. It saw a record $38.2 million in operating revenue in 2015, up from the previous record of $37.5 million in 2014.
“We’re on a great trajectory, and we have talented people and the right assets in place to continue achieving great things for our port and community,” Coleman said.
Vancouver USA’s Board of Commissioners is expected to appoint an interim CEO in the next few weeks while the port moves through the hiring process. Coleman has said he plans to spend some time with his family this summer before seeking a new opportunity.
“Todd is an incredible leader,” Port Commission President Jerry Oliver said. “He’s been a tireless advocate for the Port of Vancouver, our industry and the community. We will miss him greatly and wish him all the best.”
