Port of Tacoma Commissioners narrowed down their search for a new executive director to the top five finalists, one of who is current interim Executive Director John Wolfe, during a May 27 meeting. Commissioners commented that each candidate has a varied and diverse professional background.
“I really like the variety,” Commissioner Clare Petrich said. “Each one is truly exceptional.”
The commission entered executive session on May 20 to discuss the qualifications of 12 semi-finalists. Overall, 59 people applied for the position. The five finalists were narrowed down during a public vote.
The commissioners are planning to conduct in-person interviews next month, pending candidates’ schedules. Commission President Don Johnson, who has taken the lead on organizing the search, noted the commission plans to select a new director by the end of June. Johnson also said the port is planning to host a public meet and greet with the candidates before the commission makes its final decision.
The top candidates are:
Brian Boyle, vice-president of operational excellence and engineering for PortsAmerica, a terminal operator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to joining PortsAmerica, Boyle was vice president of operations at Marine Terminals Corporation for six years.
Bernard Groseclose, former executive director of South Carolina State Ports for 12 years. Prior to joining South Carolina Ports, Groseclose spent six years with Rockwell International as a manager of financial analysis in the company’s automotive operations.
Ned LaGoy, vice-president and general manager of SeaStar Shipping in Puerto Rico since 2006. Prior to joining SeaStar, LaGoy held several executive positions with shipping/transportation companies Hyundai Merchant Marine, Horizon Lines and Sea Land Service.
Ali Nikkoo, former president of Honor Truck and Transfer for eight years. He bought the company in early 2000, but recently sold it. Prior to working at Honor, Nikkoo held a senior management position at Sea-Land Service, a shipping and containerization company, for 24 years.
John Wolfe, Port of Tacoma’s interim executive director. Wolfe assumed interim executive director responsibilities on Jan. 1, after former executive director Tim Farrell resigned. Prior to joining the Port of Tacoma, Wolfe was the executive director of the Port of Olympia.
