Executive Director

The Port of Bellingham is seeking an Executive Director. The role requires the ability to connect long-term goals to practical decisions, guide a complex public organization through change, and ensure the Port operates responsibly, transparently, and in the public interest. This role demands a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who can balance operational excellence with innovation and public stewardship.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator—articulate, transparent, and skilled at fostering trust across diverse audiences including staff, elected officials, community members, and business partners. They will be a confident negotiator with a proven ability to navigate complex agreements, contracts, and partnerships that advance the Port’s mission while ensuring mutual benefit and long term value for the community. The ideal leader will have a background guiding organizations through change and reorganization, bringing steady leadership and clarity of vision during times of transition.