The Port of Vancouver’s three commissioners unanimously appointed the port’s top finance official, Julianna Marler, as interim CEO on Tuesday morning.
Marler, 44, started with the port in September 2008 and has been the chief financial and administrative officer since 2014. She will be in a “caretaker role” until a permanent replacement for departing CEO Todd Coleman is found, likely in the next six months or so.
“We have some amazing things we get to continue to work on,” said Marler, a Vancouver native and Battle Ground resident who previously worked for the city of Vancouver. “I appreciate Todd’s leadership and the vision he’s had and the foundation he’s established through this organization. Until we find a permanent CEO, I’ll continue to move this organization forward.”
The appointment comes after Coleman announced last week he was stepping down, effective May 19. His four-year tenure was marked by controversy over the proposal for the nation’s largest oil-by-rail terminal and a variety of revenue, rail, waterfront and other infrastructure accomplishments.
Port documents show Coleman gave his formal notice April 20, which was not clear when he publicly announced his departure May 3.
Coleman recommended Marler after commissioners held an executive session Tuesday morning to talk about top staff and their qualifications. Marler rose to the top.
“The big question we have to ask is can we keep that stability going for three to six months — is Julianna qualified for that? And what I’m hearing is yes,” Commissioner Eric LaBrant said.
“I’ve worked extensively with Ms. Marler in the past few years,” Commissioner Jerry Oliver said. “I have every confidence in her ability to carry out the tasks we’re about to assign to her, and she will perform well and honorably the objectives of the Port of Vancouver.”
Commissioners approved a $184,000 yearly salary for Marler’s interim position, the “mid-range” for the position for which Coleman was most recently paid nearly $212,000.
At Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners and several public officials offered their best wishes for Coleman.
“You are something to us like Steph Curry is to the NBA,” said Ron Arp, interim executive director of Identity Clark County. “We are grateful to have had the last 15 years with you.”
Coleman originally told commissioners he’d give four years as CEO.
“I did my season, and it’s time for somebody else to come along,” he said.
Commissioners instructed staff to start vetting potential candidates for Coleman’s replacement, including hiring a search firm if necessary.
During public comments, community members urged commissioners to put an emphasis on governance when they choose a permanent CEO.
“It is important we have a sense that this person is competent in these areas,” Ron Morrison, a citizen who regularly attends port meetings, told commissioners.
Toward the beginning of the meeting, Oliver addressed his attempts two weeks ago to cut short public comment, especially as it related to the oil terminal.
“I resolved after the last meeting to try very hard not to do any more stupid stuff,” he said. “I will not be restricting public comment. You can — I hesitate to say it — bring it on.”
