Patrick Reay, Executive Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Pat Reay has served as the Executive Director since July 2016. As Executive Director he is responsible for the operations of the Port subject to the oversight of the Port Commission, providing management and supervision to the staff, providing advice to the Commission regarding economic development, the promotion of goodwill for the Port and such activities directed by the Commission and as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate the continuing operation of all the business of the Port.  Pat is a graduate of Eastern Oregon State College (Eastern Oregon University) completing a double degree; including a Bachelor of Science: Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Small City and Rural County Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Geography and Regional Planning.
	Jay Hester, Economic Development Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Jay Hester serves as the Economic Development Director for Walla Walla County, a position he began in January 2025. In this role, he is responsible for implementing the County’s economic development plan, working to foster sustainable growth, attract investment, and support regional prosperity.Before joining Walla Walla County, Jay spent over 17 years with the Port of Sunnyside. He served as Executive Director from 2013 to 2025 and previously held the role of Property Development Manager from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure, he led major infrastructure projects, advanced business recruitment strategies, and played a key role in the Port’s long-term development efforts.Jay holds a degree in Business Management and is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he built a foundation in leadership, operations, and service.With a career grounded in public-sector development and a strong commitment to community growth, Jay brings experienced, strategic leadership to Walla Walla County’s economic future.
	Paul Gerola, Economic Development Special Projects, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Paul Gerola served as the Economic Development Director from November 1996 until January 2025. As Economic Development Director, Paul was responsible for implementing Walla Walla County's economic development plan. As Paul announced his plans to retire, he begins his new role as a the lead on Special Projects util his official retirement. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Planning from California State University, Fullerton. Paul has experience specializing in economic development, redevelopment and municipal finance in both the private and public sectors.
	Jennifer Skoglund, Airport Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Jennifer Skoglund has been the manager of the Walla Walla Regional Airport since 2009. Previously, she held various leadership roles at the Airport dating back to 1999. She is a graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Business Administration. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Washington State Airport Managers Association.

Port Organizational Chart

Printable Version (.pdf) 

Port/Airport Administration

• Joe Keown, Auditor/Treasurer, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Brian Hurst, Maintenance & Operations Supervisor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Karla Miller, Administrative Assistant, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Meagan Blair, Governmental Affairs/Community Outreach, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Jared Hawkins Legal Counsel, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Maintenance Department

• Darren Brinson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Dave Druffel, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Cody Hahn, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Patrick Grimm, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Nathan Peterson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Michael Huston, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.