By Mark Edward Nero
The public is invited to attend an open house to meet and talk with the three finalists for the position of CEO of the Port of Vancouver USA during a public open house set for 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Jan. 19 at the port’s administrative offices, 3103 NW Lower River Road, Vancouver.
The three candidates are:
• Edward Galligan is a port industry professional with 27 years of experience, including 15 years with the Port of Portland, Oregon, and more than a decade in his current role as Executive Director of the Port of Olympia, Washington. Prior to joining the port industry, Galligan worked for nearly 20 years in telecommunications, holding leadership roles in executive and financial services.
• Julianna Marler, the Port of Vancouver’s interim CEO, has more than 17 years of public sector experience, including nine years with the City of Vancouver. Her diverse professional background includes logistics, sales, procurement and contracts, and leadership in finance and administration. She joined the Port of Vancouver in 2008, was promoted to Chief Financial and Administrative Officer in 2012, and in May 2016 was appointed interim CEO by the port’s Board of Commissioners after the departure of former CEO Todd Coleman.
• Arthur Scheunemann has held leadership positions in government, non-profits and corporations, including Managing Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Market Development Division and President and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County. Scheunemann’s extensive and diverse experience includes logistics, business development, operations and fiscal management.
The port’s Board of Commissioners is expected to hold a special executive session on Jan. 20 to evaluate the applicants’ qualifications. No decisions will be made during the executive session.
The board will also discuss the candidates during its next regularly scheduled public meeting, set for Jan. 24, and could take a vote during that meeting.
The three are vying to replace ex-CEO Todd Coleman, who left the position in May 2016 after four years in the position. Since his departure, CFO Julianna Marler has served as the port’s interim CEO.
The port has said it hopes to bring a permanent CEO on board by March.
