February 8, 2024

Port of Everett

Gerking

Erik Gerking has been promoted to serve as the new chief of planning & development for the Port of Everett, a new role responsible for leading the implementation of Port development, long-range planning and environmental efforts. Gerking is a 14-year veteran at the Port, where he has been an instrumental team member in numerous efforts, involving restoring and revitalizing the environment and modernizing waterfront properties. He has also led the Port's environmental stewardship and sustainability programming, incorporating green measures and enhancing environmental protections within each of the Port's business lines. With Gerking at the helm, he and the Port team have completed many environmental projects, most recently, the Norton Terminal Cleanup and Development, 353-acre Blue Heron Slough Restoration, Bay Wood Shoreline Cleanup and Habitat Restoration, Everett Shipyard Cleanup and Central Marina Improvements, plus 65 acres of environmental cleanup to pave the way for today's Waterfront Place mixed-use development. Gerking joined the Port of Everett in 2009, after nine years of environmental consulting for ports and other clients. He is actively involved in various committees of the Washington Public Ports Association, as well as the American Association of Port Authorities where he is currently completing the Professional Port Management Program. In addition to Gerking, some other recent Port leadership news include John Klekotka's new title as chief of engineering & construction, promotions of Robert Marion to director of finance, Catherine Soper to director of external affairs & business development, Ken Scott to IT manager and Jacob Kirschner to environmental project manager, and the hiring of Cara Craig as the new director of trade development. The Port is actively seeking a chief administrative & financial officer to manage the Port's $83 million operating and capital budget, while also overseeing all financial, risk management, purchasing, technology and HR functions of the Port.