VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) has recognized Port of Vancouver USA Commissioner Brian Wolfe with a Distinguished Service Award.

Commissioner Wolfe received the award on Oct. 17 at PNWA’s Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon. He was selected for his long service to the industry, including leadership on port and navigation issues that impact the economic health of Washington state – one of the most trade-dependent states in the country – as well as the entire Pacific Northwest.

Commissioner Wolfe Receives Award

PNWA Executive Director Kristin Meira presents Commissioner Wolfe with the Distinguished Service Award

“Each year, our association recognizes members and colleagues who have made significant contributions to the success of projects and issues that are important to the region,” said PNWA Executive Director Kristin Meira. “Brian Wolfe’s years of public service as an elected commissioner at the Port of Vancouver are to be commended and celebrated. We’re grateful for the active role he’s played and proud to honor him at our annual convention.”

Commissioner Wolfe has worked passionately since his election in 2005 to support commerce, sustainable development and job creation at the Port of Vancouver and across the region. A longtime advocate for economic development, Wolfe helped found the Columbia River Economic Development Council and served as its board chair from 1983 through 1994. He has also held leadership positions with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Clark County and Identity Clark County.

In his 12 years on the Port of Vancouver board, Commissioner Wolfe provided leadership and vision as the port carried out numerous capital projects that support local and regional business growth, including the 108-acre Centennial Industrial Park, $250 million West Vancouver Freight Access rail project (WVFA) and Terminal 1 waterfront development project. Each of these projects have attracted or retained employers and supported jobs in multiple sectors, including manufacturing, construction, transportation and hospitality.

Some other notable accomplishments during Commissioner Wolfe’s tenure include:

  • Purchasing more than 200 acres that were remediated back to heavy industrial production. The property, now called Terminal 5, gave the port the ability to complete multiple loop tracks as part of the WVFA project and now allows for unit train capacity.
  • Working in partnership with the City of Vancouver to complete infrastructure improvements, including the construction of Columbia Way and Esther and Grant streets, for access to the future waterfront development projects.  
  • Hiring Julianna Marler, the first female CEO in the port’s 105-year history, after a rigorous recruiting process that included an international search and interviews with port staff, community stakeholders and commissioners.

About Pacific Northwest Waterways Association

Pacific Northwest Waterways Association is a regional trade group that has supported the interests of ports, public utilities, farmers and shippers in the Pacific Northwest for 80 years. It works to improve the economic efficiency and environmental sustainability of the region through collaboration with the U.S. Congress, federal agencies and regional leaders on policies related to environmental issues, transportation, energy and trade.

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The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.