The Port of Tacoma has hired Don Kelley as its new director of accounting and port auditor, overseeing accounting activities for the port and the Northwest Seaport Alliance, it was announced Nov. 22.
Kelley, who officially started Nov. 16, takes over for Darren Arakaki, who is expected to retire at the end of the year.
This is a homecoming for Kelley, who spent 21 years of his career at the Port of Tacoma, starting as an accountant in 1999 before being promoted to manager of financial accounting and deputy auditor. He left in 2020 to become senior manager of general accounting for the Port of Seattle.
“We are so pleased to welcome Don back to the Port of Tacoma in a new leadership role,” Port of Tacoma Executive Director Eric Johnson said in a statement. “His deep knowledge of ports and the public sector and his commitment to excellence makes him an outstanding addition to our team.”
Kelley, who received his MBA from Saint Martin’s University, is a licensed CPA and Certified Global Management Accountant.
