Port of Grays Harbor announces strategic reorganization and promotions for future growth

Press Release:
July 21, 2021

Contact:
Kayla Dunlap, Public Affairs Manager
kdunlap@portgrays.org or 360-533-9590

For Immediate Release

Aberdeen, WA. – Positioning itself for future growth, the Port of Grays Harbor announced a restructuring of the organization, along with well-earned promotions in several departments. The changes will also create new opportunities for employment throughout Port facilities.

“The business and functions of the Port have grown and continue to change as we adapt to today’s business and regulatory environment. I am incredibly proud of our team here at the Port of Grays Harbor and confident these organizational changes and promotions will suit us well in serving our community and ensuring future growth,” shared Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Gary Nelson. 

Public Affairs Manager Kayla Dunlap has been promoted to Director of Government and Public Affairs. Ms. Dunlap has been with the Port since 2009, serving as the Public Affairs Manager since 2013. She oversees the Port’s communications and government relations functions and is directly responsible for communicating with federal, state and local officials as the Port partners with them on critical infrastructure development projects.

Information Technology Manager Chris Hunt has been promoted to Director of Information Technology. Mr. Hunt has been with the Port since 2015 and is responsible for all Port facilities’ technology needs. With security requirements and technology constantly changing, Mr. Hunt has excelled at ensuring the Port is prepared and protected.

As the Port continues to implement and partner on infrastructure investments, projects will include consideration of environmental, economic and social impacts, as well as engineering. To reflect this change, Randy Lewis will be the Director of Health, Safety & Environment.

Alissa Shay has been promoted to General Manager of the Satsop Business Park. She has been with the Port since 2013, and in addition to leading the business development efforts of the Park, Ms. Shay is responsible for all aspects of the operations and performance at the facility.

Molly Bold has been promoted to General Manager of the Westport Marina. With the Port since 2017, Ms. Bold oversees the business operations and development of the Westport Marina and uplands. Ms. Bold will be the lead as the Port works to design and implement improvements to modernize the marina floats and their configuration.

Through the end of the year, the Port will also be looking to hire an on-staff Port Engineer, Contract Administrator, and Marine Terminal Security Superintendent.

Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts and Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Ocean. The Port of Grays Harbor operates 4 deep-water marine terminals, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport, Grays Harbor ship assist services, numerous public waterfront access facilities, in addition to industrial and business parks throughout the County. Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and only 1 ½ hours from open sea, the Port of Grays Harbor provides businesses a diverse portfolio of facilities.