The Port of Portland Board of Commissioners has two new members.
They are: Katy Coba, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services Chief Operating Officer and Director; and Richelle Luther, Columbia Sportswear Co.’s Senior Vice President of Chief Human Resources and Corporate Affairs.
The Oregon Senate approved the two as Gov. Kate Brown’s appointees to the commission on June 3. Coba replaces Bob Levy on the nine-member commission, while Luther replaces Pat McDonald.
As COO, Coba works with Brown, state agencies and legislators to manage state government enterprise. She previously served as director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture for more than 13 years.
Luther brings 25 years of executive and legal leadership experience, including 13 years with Columbia Sportswear. Early on, she was involved in rural development and environmental issues in Southern Oregon and sponsored scholarships for high school students via a fund created through the Oregon Community Foundation.
“The Port Commission plays a key role in creating new statewide economic opportunities and building shared prosperity for the region,” Brown said. “The perspectives and experience of Commissioners Coba and Luther will help bring this vision to life even further and help ensure our marine ports and air terminals continue to keep Oregonians connected to the competitive, global economy.”
Commissioners are unpaid volunteers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and can be reappointed for an additional term. The Commission appoints the port’s executive director.
