Bill Wyatt, executive director of the Port of Portland, has announced that he will retire on June 30.
Wyatt has led the port since 2001. During his time at the helm, Wyatt increased nonstop service from Portland International (PDX), saw the airport ranked best airport in the United States for last four years by Travel and Leisure magazine, and helped ensure $2 billion will be invested in airport improvements in the coming years. Additionally, port-wide greenhouse gas emissions from port sources were reduced to 20 percent below 1990 levels, the Port’s Environmental Management Program was created and the Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park was completed.
Wyatt, who also oversees the agency’s marine terminals and property holdings, said it has been an “enormous privilege” to have served the port for 16 years, and he thanked community members and stakeholders for their help in carrying out the Port’s mission.
“Bill has been a skilled, dynamic and admired leader, and I know I speak for all of the commission when I say how grateful we are for his unparalleled service,” said Port Commission President Jim Carter.
The nine Port of Portland commissioners will be responsible for selecting Wyatt’s replacement. The port has hired the search firm McDermott and Bull to conduct a search for Wyatt’s replacement.
“Our goal in this search is to ensure we select the best leader for the port moving forward and provide opportunities for our stakeholders to be part of the process,” said Carter.