Amy Graber to become Port of Centralia executive director

May 20-Port of Centralia Interim Executive Director Amy Graber is poised to keep the job long term, pending contract negotiations.

The Port of Centralia Commission during its Wednesday business meeting voted to appoint Commissioner Ally Pickard to begin contract negotiations with Graber and bring a final draft back to the full board for final approval.

While no official decision was made, discussion between commissioners suggested they could vote on approval of a final contract as early as next week during a special session that is yet to be announced.

During discussion, all three commissioners had glowing reviews for Graber's performance in the role as interim director and alluded to their efforts to convince her to take the job on permanently.

"I appreciate that you're willing to continue on in this position, and I hope that we can come to terms on a contract and keep you as executive director and move things forward in the positive direction that it has been recently," said Commissioner Kyle Markstrom, who during the same meeting announced he would be resigning from the board.

In response to the motion to negotiate a long-term contract, Graber instilled confidence in her commitment to the port and remaining there as long as possible.

"I appreciate your trust and confidence in me and hope to continue working here," Graber said. "I've been here for 22 years and (I'm) planning on retiring, hopefully, from here."

City of Centralia Community Development Director Emil Pierson also attended the meeting and spoke to Graber's qualifications and performance in the position so far as a counterpart at the City of Centralia.

"It's been fantastic for us, and I really feel like we're heading in the right direction and can really help the residents of Centralia," Pierson said.

Graber has held the position of interim executive director since the Port of Centralia terminated the contract of former long-time Executive Director Kyle Heaton.

According to previous reporting by The Chronicle, his severance package resulted in 18 months of salary payments along with payouts for unused vacation time, altogether totaling more than $400,000.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.