The Port of Woodland has hired a new executive director, its board of commissioners announced Thursday.

Chris Herman was brought on after a nationwide search that drew 221 candidates, the port said in a news release .

The hunt for a new director started in August when commissioners removed the port’s previous director . They declined to say exactly why at the time.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the Port team,” said Bob Wile, the commission’s president in the notice. “His experience and leadership will be tremendous assets to the port and the community we serve.”

Herman had spent nearly a decade working at the Washington Public Ports Association, which advocates for ports around the state. His final role there was deputy director.

Before that, he worked as a policy manager f

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