Citing his passion, commitment to his community, and "need to win", Port of Tacoma Commissioners have selected John Wolfe as the new executive director of the Port of Tacoma.

Wolf has served as interim executive director since January following the departure of former executive director Tim Farrell. He previously was the deputy executive director for the port.

In selecting Wolfe, commissioners said he had "turned the port around" since Farrell's departure, and was supported by port staff, customers, community members and labor.

Commissioners selected Wolfe from a list of five finalists that included Brian Boyle, former vice president for operations at Ports America; Bernard Groseclose, Jr, former president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority; Ned LaGoy, vice president and general manager of Puerto Rico for Sea Star Line; and Ali Nikkhoo, former president and owner of Honor Truck and Transfer in Long Beach.

Recently elected Port Commissioner Don Meyer was the only member of the five-person board to vote against Wolfe's selection. Meyer said although he was impressed by Wolfe's credentials, he thought it was important to "bring some new blood" to the port.

The port launched its executive search effort in late April after hiring Southern California-based Shey Harding and Associates to recruit candidates. A total of 59 candidates applied for the job.

-- The Cunningham Report