FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2023
Contact: Heather Stebbings, PNWA
heather.stebbings@pnwa.net
503-307-3776
The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) has hired Neil Maunu as executive director. Maunu’s hire was approved by the PNWA Board of Directors today. His first day in the position will be Aug. 7, 2023.
Maunu brings over 20 years of leadership experience in business and the military. For more than 16 years, he has led teams in the Pacific Northwest maritime industry, including roles in operations, business development and commercial negotiations at Kinder Morgan and Tidewater Transportation and Terminals. His most recent role was spearheading the development of a soda ash export terminal at the Port of Stockton, California, as a senior vice-president of operations for Denmar US LLC.
In 2020 Maunu retired as an aviation Lieutenant Colonel with the Oregon National Guard. His military experience includes 13 years in the Oregon Guard, with more than seven years of active duty and two year-long combat deployments in Iraq. Maunu’s maritime, military and federal advocacy experience make him a great fit for PNWA.
“Neil brings with him a passion for our region and rich experiences in leadership, the maritime industry, logistics, federal systems, and the Northwest’s working waterways,” said Tom Kammerzell, Port of Whitman County Commissioner and PNWA Board President. “We are pleased to welcome him as PNWA executive director and look forward to working together to keep our region and our waterways strong.”
Maunu holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental geography and engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an executive master’s in business administration from Washington State University.
Maunu replaces outgoing Executive Director Heather Stebbings, who served with PNWA for 15 years, the last two as executive director. Stebbings plans to explore consulting opportunities going forward.
“You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who cares more about PNWA and the Pacific Northwest than Heather Stebbings,” said Kammerzell. “We are grateful for her expertise and long service to this organization, its members and its partners. It’s been a pleasure working with Heather and we all wish her and her family the best in their next adventure.” Stebbings’ last day as executive director is Aug. 4. She will continue to work with PNWA on a parttime basis this summer to help transition key organizational issues and serve as a guide to staff and Maunu as he transitions into the role.
### The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association is a non-profit, non-partisan trade association of ports, businesses, public agencies and individuals who support navigation, energy, trade and economic development throughout the region. Learn more at www.pnwa.net.