Eric Johnson named Port of Tacoma executive director

Eric Johnson named new Executive Director of Port of Tacoma

The EDB welcomes Eric Johnson, new executive director for the Port of Tacoma.

Johnson has served as executive director of the Washington Public Ports Association since 2009. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing and implementing new business and partnership opportunities for lines of business not licensed to The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA). He will also identify economic development strategies, manage and create opportunities for real estate holdings, help improve and manage transportation corridors, and work with stakeholders to ensure and promote environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.

For more information, read the Port of Tacoma news release.

EDB alumnus takes on Congress

Derek Kilmer

Washington State Representative Derek Kilmer’s economic development work in Pierce County is coming into play in the other Washington. Earlier this year, the former EDB vice president of business retention was named chairman of a new bipartisan committee charged with modernizing Congress, with an economic development spin.

The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress will look at ways to make Congress work better and be more responsive to the American people, focusing on technology, improving transparency, cybersecurity and communications between representatives and constituents.

Read the press release for more information, and check out the profile on Kilmer in GeekWire.

Local leaders honored by UW Tacoma Milgard School of Business 

Congratulations to the 2019  University of Washington Tacoma Milgard School of Business Award winners. The following Pierce County leaders were honored April 11:

• Kurt Carlson, president and CEO, Propel Insurance: Business Leader of the Year
• Ketul Patel, CEO, CHI Franciscan: Nonprofit Leader of the Year
• Liz Dunbar, retired executive director, Tacoma Community House: Lifetime Achievement Nonprofit
• Henry Schatz, chairman of the board, General Plastics: Lifetime Achievement Business

Since 2001, the Milgard School of Business has recognized local business leaders for outstanding service to their company and community.