CAMAS — The Port of Camas-Washougal has named its top three finalists in the search to replace retiring CEO David Ripp.
They are Camas Parks and Recreation Director Trang Lam; Washington Public Ports Association Deputy Director Chris Herman; and Guy Glenn, director of the Port of Columbia County in Oregon.
“I think it speaks highly of where the port is at right now that we had so much interest from such a talented group of people,” Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioner Cassi Marshall said.
The port received more than 50 applications for the position, which opened in March following Ripp’s announcement that he intended to retire this fall.
Beckett Group consultant Jeannie Beckett said each finalist will be able to interact with port staff and stakeholders, tour port properties and interview with port commissioners, who are expected to make their final selection this summer during a public meeting.
“I have questions I want to dive into to really get comfortable with them. Big issues for me: Are they going to carry forward our mission and mesh well with the organization’s culture? Do they have a strong and strategic way of thinking? Will they be able to bring this port to another level of performance and impact on the community? ” Port Commissioner John Spencer said.
The three candidates bring varied experience to the table.
Lam has worked for more than 20 years in leadership roles at the University of Portland, Portland Parks & Recreation, Prosper Portland and the city of Camas. She has led the Camas Parks and Recreation Department since December 2020 and has experience as an entrepreneur.
Glenn joined the Port of Columbia County in May 2023. Previously, he served as the general manager for Ecological Land Services in Longview and as the finance director and manager for the Port of Ilwaco, according to the Port of Columbia County.
Herman was hired as the Washington Public Ports Association’s senior director of trade and transportation in 2016, and was promoted to his current position in 2022. He has worked in logistics for 20 years, with experience managing supply chain operations for companies in agricultural, petrochemical, energy and direct-to-consumer retail industries, according to the association.
“The candidates all have amazing strengths, but strengths in different areas, so it’s never comparing apples to apples,” Marshall said. “(We’re) trying to match those strengths with the needs of the port at this time and where we’re looking to go in the near future.”
