Chris Herman Named Port of Woodland Executive Director
Woodland, Wash. – On Thursday, the Port of Woodland’s Board of Commissioners announced Chris Herman as the Port’s new executive director.
The Port Commission conducted a nationwide executive director search resulting in 221 applicants, which were narrowed down to eight finalists.
Before joining the Port of Woodland, Chris worked for nine years with the Washington Public Ports Association and is well respected within the port community. He was responsible for the design of statewide advocacy strategy development and execution. He also managed educational programing for a diverse range of issues including economic development, tax, energy, broadband, procurement, and transportation policy including aviation.
Prior to WPPA, Chris worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation. There he led freight rail planning, managed grant, and loan programs, and oversaw the Washington State Grain Train and the state-owned rail network.
Chris has over twenty years of experience in supply chain operations, process optimization, and strategy across industry sectors such as agriculture, food processing, energy, and petrochemicals.
Chris earned his Master of Public Administration from Cornell University in 2024. Originally from the Midwest, Chris enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures, traveling, and always has an open door for abandoned dogs in need of a home.
“I am honored to be selected as the next Executive Director and look forward to joining the Port team”, said Herman. “I’m excited for the opportunity to advance and expand the Commission’s economic development goals by strengthening our community connections and continuing to build an environment that supports family-wage jobs in Woodland.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the Port team. His experience and leadership will be tremendous assets to the Port and the community we serve,” said Commission President Bob Wile.
About the Port
The Port of Woodland’s purpose is to procure family wage and environmentally responsible industry, to provide public recreational opportunities to the Woodland Community and to work cooperatively with both private and public entities acting as a positive resource in the Woodland Community.