Significant growth in both marine and industrial operations, along with plans for development of over 500 acres that could double the size of the Port, contributed to the need for the new position. Port cargo totals grew by 25% during 2004 and tonnage for 2005 has already surpassed last year's figures for the current period. The Port is presently working through permitting and approval processes to begin a 500-acre development of Columbia Gateway and Rufener properties to expand both shipping and industrial operations within the next five years. Projected trade growth along with the proposed expansion poses challenges for the Port to provide sufficient road and rail services to its facilities. The Port is also committed to environmental mitigation for over 600 acres in the Vancouver lowlands as part of the proposed development.
The deputy executive director is responsible for overseeing all development issues. Coleman will also direct implementation of the Port's Strategic Plan, assists the executive director on policy, oversight and communications issues, and manages overall Port operations in the absence of the executive director. He will supervise marketing and operations, environmental services, facilities, accounting and finance, and public affairs departments at the Port.
Coleman has been the Director of Facilities at the Port of Vancouver since 2001, supervising the Port's maintenance, contracts and purchasing, environmental issues, and property and development departments and coordinating construction of capital projects and plans for port facilities. A hiring process is underway to fill that position.
Prior to joining the port, he was a partner in an engineering consulting firm, Coleman & Davido Engineering Consultants, in Estacada, Oregon. Coleman has held positions with the Chelan County Public Utilities District in Wenatchee, Wash., and various companies in Oregon including URS Greiner, Inc., and Parametrix, Inc., where he had the opportunity to work on several Port of Vancouver public works projects.
Raised in Quincy, Washington, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Oregon and Washington and a 2005 graduate of Leadership Clark County.
