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WPPA 2008 Executive Committee

President - Bill Clark, Port of Pasco
A retired Police Chief and respected community leader, Bill has been involved with the Port industry for over 15 years. Bill has a BA in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco, and served as a dedicated law enforcement officer for 28 years. In 2003, he retired as Chief of Police in Newport, Washington. Bill has been extensively involved with all facets of the transportation community and is a valued policy advisor on the Benton Franklin Council of Governments Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO), and the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Tri-Cities. He is dedicated to the improvement of the transportation network regionally and throughout Washington State. Bill and his wife, Sandy, have been married for 37 years.

Vice President -Dick Marzano, Port of Tacoma
A Tacoma longshoreman for 33 years, Mr. Marzano was elected to the Port Commission in November 1995. He is currently the Vice President of the Port Commission. He was appointed by Governor Locke to be a member of the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, which is working to create a comprehensive and complete state program to facilitate freight movement between and among national and international markets that enhance trade opportunities. He served as president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23 from 1989-95, and currently serves as vice president of that union. He is a member of the Tacoma Chapter of the Propeller Club of the United States, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Hospitality Kitchen at St. Leo's Catholic Church and of the Foss Waterway Development Authority.

Secretary - Mike Ahrenius, Port of Friday Harbor
Mike comes to us with a diverse background.  He has worked for the National Forest Service, a private land survey company, various construction endeavors, and property management in the greater Seattle area.  For the last 19 years he has been in Friday Harbor working with his father-in-law at Jensen Shipyard, a small family owned yard established in 1910.  Coincidently, his father-in-law, Nourdine Jensen was one of the first Port Commissioners in Friday Harbor in the early 1950’s.   Mike has been serving as Friday Harbor Port Commissioner since 2002.  Although he owns a couple of boats and a couple of British sports cars, his first love is with anything 2-wheeled.  It’s not unusual to see him show up on one of his motorcycles for a port meeting – after all – parking is always an issue.

Treasurer - Lanny Cawley, Port of Kalama
Lanny Cawley has served as executive director at the Port of Kalama since 1998.  Prior to leading the port, Cawley served as its deputy director for four years.  Cawley began his career in the port industry in 1990 when he was named port manager at the Port of Woodland.  Previously he was a vice president for First Farwest Insurance Corp. in Portland. Cawley received both his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees from Portland State University.  He also served in the U.S. Navy. Cawley is an active member in many associations including Washington Public Ports Association, where he is the current chairman of the Trade and Economic Development Committee.  His memberships also include the Columbia River Channel Coalition and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association.  He was most recently appointed to the board of directors for the Columbia Pacific Region of U.S. Bank.  Cawley’s interests include viticulture and wine-making.  He and his wife Jill have one son, Alex.

Past President - Paul Schneidmiller, Port of Walla Walla
Paul began his career in the travel industry at age 15 at World WideTravel Service. He and his wife Jody now own and operate the same travel agency. Born and raised in Walla Walla, Paul has been active in many community activities and continues to take a leadership role in civic affairs. He is a graduate of the University of Washington (BS Zoology, BS Education.) Paul & Jody have four daughters and his involvement in their schooling led Paul to co-chair three successful levy campaigns for the Walla Walla School District. He was appointed to the Port of Walla Walla Commission in 2000 and subsequently elected in 2001.

Past President - Jack Thompson, Port of Grays Harbor
One of the original founders of a successful community bank, an enterprising small business owner, a developer of several other small businesses, a member of the board of a large local manufacturing company, and a downtown redeveloper - Jack Thompson has been a vital member of the Grays Harbor community for many years. Currently in his 14th year as a Port Commissioner for the Port of Grays Harbor, Jack also serves as Chairman of the Grays Harbor Public Development Authority, owners of the Satsop Development Park, and has served on the Board of the Grays Harbor Economic Development Council for 10 years, currently as Secretary. He and his wife Trish live in Aberdeen, Washington.