Evans Harding is Port of Olympia Commission's new chair

Port of Olympia Commissioner Amy Evans Harding was selected as the commission’s new president during a meeting held on Monday, January 9. Her new position put her as the chair of the commission, replacing former chair Bob Iyall, who would now serve as the secretary.

Commissioner Joe Downing, who would now serve as the commission’s vice president, made the nominations.

“[Evans Harding] had some practice running a few meetings,” Downing said. “She's ready, I think, to step up and be Chair.”

Evans Harding accepted the nomination, saying she was “happy to serve in whatever capacity is going to help the Port move forward.”

Evans Harding currently works for commercial broker Kidder Mathews. Her work previously became an issue as people claimed that she had a conflict of interest since her firm represented Panattoni, a real estate developer which was negotiating a lease with the Port.

The Port’s website also stated that she practiced law and ran a small store.

According to the rules governing the transaction of business for Port commissioners, the president shall preside at all meetings and study sessions of the commission. The president also signs all resolutions and contracts on behalf of the commission.