Port of Everett Taps Erik Gerking as New Chief of Planning & Development Amid Growth of Capital Projects, Environmental Initiatives
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 natural fit for the new role following his 14-year tenure 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.
"I am honored to step into the role of Chief of Planning and Development,” Gerking said. “I am eager to support our ongoing growth and success alongside our outstanding team and partners by continuing to deliver robust economic development and sustainable solutions that protect and enhance our environment for future generations.”
With Gerking at the helm, he and the Port team have completed many award-winning 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, among many others.
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.
“With his combined environmental and project management background, Erik has the right skill set to make sure the Port’s economic development is conducted in an environmentally sound way as our new Chief of Planning and Development,” Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber said. “Gerking’s shift in roles is part of a recent effort to reorganize our leadership team to best meet the growth and evolution of our business operations, and fill key roles that have opened up with recent long-time employee retirements.”
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.
This new role will advance Port priorities across business lines and direct implementation of services, policies, procedures and programs through staff. The CAFO may also serve as the Port Commission-appointed Auditor and Treasurer. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
Do you want to work for the Port of Everett? In addition to the new CAFO position, we have many active job listings, including Construction Manager, Grants Compliance Administrator, Accounting Technician, Marina Harbor Attendant and Dock Superintendent. Learn more and apply at www.portofeverett.com/jobs.
For more information, contact Catherine Soper, the Port’s Director of External Affairs & Business Development, at catherines@portofeverett.com.
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About the Port of Everett
The Port of Everett is a special purpose district tasked with economic development. Through operation of international shipping terminals, the largest public marina on the West Coast and real estate development ventures, the Port of Everett supports nearly 40,000 jobs in the region and contributes $433 million to state and local taxes. The Port strives to bring quality jobs, business and tourism opportunities to its local and surrounding communities, and is committed to enhancing, restoring and preserving the overall environmental health of the waterfront. Port properties provide numerous public access and recreational opportunities for area residents and visitors to enjoy, supporting a vibrant, livable and balanced waterfront.
In a historic action on Dec. 20, 2023, the Port Commission unanimously passed Resolution No. 1220, directing Port staff to submit a proposition of enlarging the limits of the existing Port District to the Snohomish County Council for voter consideration – a first since the citizens voted to create the Port over a century ago in 1918. The measure, slated for the August 2024 primary ballot, will consider enlarging the Port District to all of Snohomish County, excluding City of Edmonds, Port of Edmonds and Town of Woodway limits, respectively. Click here to learn more.