OLYMPIA, WA — The Port of Olympia has officially announced the finalists vying for the executive director position. After an extensive search and rigorous selection process, the four candidates who have emerged as the top contenders are Joshua Cummings, Anthony Hemstad, Michael Reid, and Alexandra Smith.
The responsibility of appointing the executive director lies with the Port Commission. After gathering community input, the Commission enlisted the expertise of Prothman Consulting, an executive recruiting firm, to conduct a thorough candidate search. Out of 34 applicants, the consulting group identified 16 qualified candidates meeting the minimum qualifications. The consultants then interviewed 15 of those candidates as one candidate withdrew their interest. Based on feedback and discussions with the Commissioners, the consultants recommended four finalists.
“The Commission would like to express its gratitude to all the applicants and stakeholders who have participated in the selection process,” said Port Commissioner President Bob Iyall. “We are very pleased to have such highly qualified candidates. The executive director plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the Port and community input is vital in making an informed decision.”
The next phase includes a public reception and finalist interviews. At 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 5, a public reception will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 2101 Henderson Park Lane S.E. Olympia, WA 98501. The public reception is an opportunity for stakeholders, community members, and interested parties to engage directly with the finalists, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback to the Port Commission.
The final interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, where each finalist will be interviewed by both the Port of Olympia’s Commission and a subcommittee panel of the Commission in executive session which is not open to public participation. The Commission will decide and announce the successful candidate in a later public session.
