PACIFIC NORTHWEST WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION HIRES NEIL MAUNU AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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. 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. Stebbings’ last day as Executive Director is August 4, 2023. She will continue to work with PNWA on a part-time basis this Summer to help transition key organizational issues and serve as a guide to staff and Maunu as he transitions into the role.