Neil Maunu, Executive Director
(503) 234-8556 / neil.maunu@pnwa.net
As PNWA’s Executive Director, Neil Maunu leads the association’s work with Congress, federal agencies, and regional decision-makers on transportation, trade, energy, and environmental policies and projects. PNWA’s membership includes over 150 public ports, transportation providers, agriculture and forest products producers, public utilities, manufacturers, labor groups, and others in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Maunu has over 20 years of leadership experience in business and the military. For more than 16 years, he has led teams in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) maritime industry, including roles in operations, business development, and commercial negotiations. He spent time working for Tidewater Transportation and Terminals and recently retired from the Oregon National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel. Maunu holds a BS in environmental geography and engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an Executive MBA from Washington State University. A northwest native with deep PNW roots, Neil was raised in North Portland and now calls Vancouver, Washington, his home. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two kids, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and paddleboarding.
Dena Horton, Government Relations Director
(503) 234-8553 / dena.horton@pnwa.net
Horton earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Gonzaga University, and completed master’s degree coursework in Public Affairs at Washington State University – Vancouver. She is also a General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award Recipient, graduate of Leadership Clark County, and has a long record of volunteer service in her community. Horton lives in Vancouver, Wash. She enjoys traveling, wine tasting, and cooking and she is a proud cat mom and Packers fan!
Anthony Peña, Government Relations Manager
(503) 234-8551 / anthony.pena@pnwa.net
Anthony Peña joined the PNWA team in September of 2022. For over two years, Anthony served Senator Patty Murray’s office in the Southwest Washington region as Outreach Director and District Representative bringing strong knowledge and understanding on the region and issues within the PNWA portfolio. Anthony also worked in the Washington State Legislature for State Senator Annette Cleveland, and as a labor and political organizer for Working America AFL-CIO.
Anthony earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University, where he also served as President of the Association of Student Planners. He is also a graduate of the Institute for a Democratic Future, and has a strong record of civic engagement and volunteerism in his community. Anthony lives in his hometown of Vancouver, Washington.