Longview gets new CEO

· Tuesday, July 31, 2012

   The Port of Longview in Washington state has appointed Geir-Eilif Kalhagen to chief executive officer, effective Sept. 1.
   He succeeds long-time executive Ken O’Hollaren.
   Port of Longview’s commissioners hired consultant Shey-Harding to lead a nationwide search, which led them to local candidate Kalhagen, who has 26 years of maritime industry experience. He has worked in operations management for both SSA and Star Shipping, and most recently served as general manager for Tidal Transport and Trading on the Columbia River.
   “Geir’s strong industry background, combined with his familiarity of our region made him a great fit for the Port of Longview,” said Commission President Bob Bagaason, in a statement.
   O’Hollaren will spend the rest of this year focused on customer relations and marketing before retiring in December, the port said. He joined the port in 1980 and was promoted to executive director in 1988.

Chris Gillis

Located in the Washington, D.C. area, Chris Gillis primarily reports on regulatory and legislative topics that impact cross-border trade. He joined American Shipper in 1994, shortly after graduating from Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., with a degree in international business and economics.