Dena Horton is the new deputy director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, the Portland-based organization announced Aug. 15.
PNWA is a nonprofit trade association advocating on behalf of more than 150 ports, trade, agricultural and other stakeholders in Oregon, Washington and Idaho for federal policy and funding.
Horton, who joined the association as its government relations director in 2019, brings to her new role experience at the federal and regional level and a deep understanding of the association’s projects and issues, PNWA said.
Her experience includes being the Southwest Washington outreach director for Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) for more than five years, as well as a district representative for former Rep. Brian Baird for more than four years. She also was as a project manager with New Hampshire-based environmental consulting firm Normandeau Associates for more than seven years.
“Dena was my right-hand person from before I even started at PNWA,” the association’s Executive Director, Neil Maunu, said. “She cares so much about the issues that we fight for and she is not afraid to make tough decisions for the good of the industry and the association.”
Horton is expected to continue to be a leading advocate in key areas, support the executive director and board of PNWA and lead in Maunu’s absence, according to the announcement.
