POV-aerial_8x6It takes a lot to run the third-largest port in Washington state. According to a report presented July 12 to the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners, port stakeholders would like our next CEO to be an idealistic, results-oriented person of strong character who is accessible, approachable and enthusiastic.

He or she should be a visionary leader with a sophisticated understanding of ports and the maritime industry, an expert at strategic communications and politics, and someone who is committed to living the role of port CEO.

“Will Superman or Superwoman please come forward?” joked Pat Jones, president of Jones Strategic Consulting, the firm that produced the report.

Todd Coleman, who served as the port’s CEO from 2012 to 2016, stepped down May 19 after 15 years with the organization. The port hired Jones Strategic to perform an assessment to help inform the CEO recruitment process by outlining current challenges, ideal skills and characteristics for our next CEO and a recruitment approach that will provide highly qualified candidates.

Pat Jones researched the port’s plans, reports, organizational charts, media reports and other information. He also interviewed a diverse group of 49 staff and key stakeholders. Stakeholders included engaged citizens; leaders from other ports, economic development groups and local governments; and local media.

Jones’ report showed the port is a financially healthy, strong and focused organization successfully pursuing its core mission of economic development for its community. The report reflected a positive workplace culture with high-achieving and motivated staff.

Jones’ report also highlighted a variety of concerns from external stakeholders, including a feeling of disconnect between the port and community visions of our future, perceived lack of clarity and communications, divisiveness over the Vancouver Energy project and a desire for the public to be more engaged in port processes.

The report outlines two potential options for recruitment: a national executive recruitment process or a transition executive. According to the report, the port’s health and reputation would likely elicit interest from “a variety of accomplished professionals from the public and private sectors.” A shorter-term transition executive familiar with current challenges facing the port “could serve to bridge the recent past to the long-term future.”

The commissioners are taking some time to consider the report and its findings before directing staff on next steps. The port hopes to have a new CEO on board by the end of this year.