Bios

Eric LaBrant was elected in 2015, underscoring the Port of Vancouver’s longstanding relationship with the nearby Fruit Valley neighborhood. He has presided over the Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association since 2011.

LaBrant helped guide development and adoption of a new Strategic Plan and Vision Statement for the Port of Vancouver, Washington, one of Washington’s largest and third oldest public port. He worked with fellow community members on the Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership, and mentors student teams with the Washington State University Vancouver Business Growth Mentor and Analysis Program, which guides students in consulting with local businesses.

In addition to his position on the Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners, LaBrant works full time in accounting and finance, and is a certified public arbitrator.

LaBrant earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University in 2015. A native of the Vancouver/Portland area, he enjoys visiting Washington's state parks and rich natural areas. He prioritizes policies that promote equity, environmental stewardship, and Vancouver’s competitive advantages of livability, education and community partnership.

LaBrant represents the Port of Vancouver’s District 2, and his current term expires December 31, 2027.

Jack Burkman was elected to the Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners in 2019. Burkman has lived in Vancouver for over 35 years and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University. He retired from Hewlett Packard after a 28-year career where he was a R&D manager leading development and commercialization of new technology and products for global markets.

For over three decades, Burkman has been active in the Clark County community. In addition to three terms as a Vancouver Councilmember and 10 years as a Clark College Trustee, he has served on numerous public and non-profit agency boards.  These include the Regional Transportation Council, C-Tran, Portland Metro’s Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation, Fort Vancouver Regional Library, League of United Latin American Citizens, and the YWCA Clark County.

Burkman and his wife of 46 years, Sherry, have three adult children and seven grandchildren. They were both raised in western Montana where they developed a love of nature and the environment. He is an avid bird photographer and enjoys spending time in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Burkman supports creating additional family wage jobs in Southwest Washington, improving freight mobility efficiencies, and developing a skilled workforce in the Greater Vancouver community. He also promotes continued transparency, community involvement, and fiscal responsibility at the port. Burkman represents the Port of Vancouver’s District 3 and his current term expires December 31, 2025.

Don Orange was elected to the Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners in 2017. Orange has owned and operated small businesses nearly all his career, including a regional trucking company that received shipments at the Port of Vancouver. 

Orange is active with the Salmon Creek Kiwanis and Martha’s Pantry Food Bank, and is president of the Battle Ground School District Auto Advisory Council. He is also past president of the Columbia Pastoral Counseling Center.

Orange and his wife Mary have a son, Alex, who is earning his graduate degree in electrical engineering at the University of Utah. When he’s not working, volunteering or serving on the Port of Vancouver’s board, Orange enjoys visiting our country’s national parks.

Orange supports sustainable jobs, environmental stewardship and equitable wages and benefits. He represents the Port of Vancouver’s District 1 and his current term expires Dec. 31, 2030.