Ocean cargo/global logistics: Port of Tacoma chief to step down
The Port of Tacoma Commission has approved the terms of a transition in leadership.
Patrick Burnson, Executive Editor -- Logistics Management, 10/21/2009
TACOMA, Wash.-The Port of Tacoma Commission has approved the terms of a transition in leadership.
Transition plans call for executive director Timothy J. Farrell to work full time through the end of the year, with Port employment officially ending May 31, 2010.
The news comes in the wake of significant "downsizing" at the port, as it struggles with other U.S. West Coast cargo gateways for inbound traffic.
According to the terms, Farrell and the commission will set priorities for Farrell's focus through the end of the year, ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership.
"We want to assure our staff, our customers, and our community that the port is dedicated to their continued success," commission president Clare Petrich said after the meeting.
"We continue to focus on maintaining our competitiveness during this challenging economy."
At its Oct. 1 meeting, the commission approved agreements to bring NYK Line to Tacoma. Following that meeting, Farrell initiated the discussion with commissioners about a transition in port leadership.
"Bringing NYK Line to Tacoma was a multi-year effort and a significant milestone, both for the port and for me personally," said Farrell. "At age 43, it's a good time for me to pursue opportunities that have had to sit on the back burner for a while, and to spend more time with my family."
He added that shippers should be center of the commission's "focus" before and after the transition.
Farrell joined the Port of Tacoma in 2000 as deputy executive director. He has served as executive director since 2004.
Before coming to Tacoma, he worked for the Port of Seattle and Massachusetts Port Authority. Port commissioners will outline a process soon to name his replacement. In the meantime, Deputy Director John Wolfe will serve as interim director.
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