Washington Public Ports Association announces staffing changes
Chris Herman, Senior Director of Trade and Transportation, has been promoted to Deputy Director. His responsibilities will include WPPA’s legislative agenda and supporting and serving as alternate for the executive director. Herman has managed WPPA’s government relations and trade program since 2016. He has worked in logistics and supply chain for 20 years and has experience working in all facets of the management of goods movement. Herman holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on transportation and logistics from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul.
Tasha Cilurso, WPPA’s Business Manager, now has the additional responsibility of auditor. She has a direct line of accountability to the association’s Executive Committee and helps provide independent support and assurance of risk management, governance, and internal controls. Cilurso, who joined WPPA in 2016, is responsible for the administration of office operations, financial, personnel and building management. Her background includes a diversity of public and private sector experience. Cilurso holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington.
Mandy Lill joins WPPA on Jan. 1, 2023, as Member Development and Engagement Manager. Lill will be the primary connection for members and partners, and responsible for providing communication and administrative support as well as managing meetings and conferences. Lill has 14 years of experience in the port industry and most recently served as marketing specialist for Ecological Land Services (ELS), an environmental consulting firm and WPPA member. Before joining ELS, Lill supported WPPA and its members for nearly seven years as the association’s member services manager. Her background includes administrative, project, and logistics management.
“We have an incredible team of professionals who are advancing the ongoing work of WPPA and meeting the needs of our members and partners, while at the same time working to shape our future,” said Interim Executive Director Patsy Martin. “We are very appreciative of their diligence, creativity, and hard work on behalf of the association and our members.
“And we are so pleased to welcome Mandy Lill back to the WPPA team in January. Her knowledge of and dedication to our industry is an exciting addition as we continue to grow our team.”
WPPA continues to recruit for its executive director and environmental director positions. The association expects to hire a new executive director in late 2022 and a new environmental director in 2023.
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As a state legislative and regulatory advocacy organization, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy for ports to achieve their goals. The WPPA was formed by the Legislature in 1961 to represent public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and tourism promotion. Learn more at washingtonports.org.
Patsy Martin
Washington Public Ports Association
T: 360-763-1179
