Everett port director to retire at end of year

EVERETT — The Port of Everett’s executive director is retiring at the end of the year.

During his 16 years in the post, John Mohr helped the port greatly increase the amount of cargo passing through, especially in support of the aerospace industry.

But it still faces economic challenges, such as under-utilized commercial land and economic cleanup.

The Port of Everett has more than 100 full-time employees and a budget of more than $50 million. Policy is set by three elected commissioners and implemented by the executive director.

“John’s passion for job creation, advocating and planning for the necessary infrastructure investments to support the aerospace industry, and his vision of transforming the marina area into a commercial and recreational district does not go unnoticed,” Port Commission President Tom Stiger said in a statement released by the port. “On behalf of the commission, we wish him well in his upcoming retirement.”

After taking over as executive director, Mohr helped move the port from a declining wood products port to a key aerospace and break-bulk cargo port. Break-bulk cargo must be custom-loaded, unlike container cargo, which is loaded with more-automated systems.

The port now has the fifth-highest export value of all seaports on the West Coast, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Division.

“I have been so very fortunate to have visionary Commissioners setting the direction of the port, and to have had a great port family to make that vision a reality,” Mohr said in the news release. “With the recent announcements of Saltchuk bringing Foss Maritime to the Everett waterfront, and 777X opportunity right around the corner, we are poised for greatness. I can’t think of a better scenario under which to retire.”

Mohr has also started transforming the port’s Marina District from an industrial site to a recreational hub.

He has been active in state and national port organizations, including serving as chairman of the U.S. Delegation of American Association of Port Authorities.

Before coming to Everett, he worked for the ports of Olympia and Newport, Ore.

The Port of Everett Commission has hired Jensen and Cooper to conduct a search for the port’s next executive director.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

The livery on a Boeing plane. (Christopher Pike / Bloomberg)
Former Lockheed Martin CFO joins Boeing as top financial officer

Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer is being replaced by a former CFO at… Continue reading

Izaac Escalante-Alvarez unpacks a new milling machine at the new Boeing machinists union’s apprentice training center on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists union training center opens in Everett

The new center aims to give workers an inside track at Boeing jobs.

Some SnoCo stores see shortages after cyberattack on grocery supplier

Some stores, such as Whole Foods and US Foods CHEF’STORE, informed customers that some items may be temporarily unavailable.

People take photos and videos as the first Frontier Arlines flight arrives at Paine Field Airport under a water cannon salute on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Water cannons salute Frontier on its first day at Paine Field

Frontier Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in offering service Snohomish County passengers.

Amit B. Singh, president of Edmonds Community College. 201008
Edmonds College and schools continue diversity programs

Educational diversity programs are alive and well in Snohomish County.

A standard jet fuel, left, burns with extensive smoke output while a 50 percent SAF drop-in jet fuel, right, puts off less smoke during a demonstration of the difference in fuel emissions on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sustainable aviation fuel center gets funding boost

A planned research and development center focused on sustainable aviation… Continue reading

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Pharmacist John Sontra and other employees work on calling customers to get their prescriptions transferred to other stores from the Bartell Drugs Pharmacy on Hoyt Avenue on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Bartell Drugs location shutters doors in Everett

John Sontra, a pharmacist at the Hoyt Avenue address for 46 years, said Monday’s closure was emotional.

Wine is illuminated on a large win rack at the center of the main room at Long Shadows Woodinville Tasting Room & Key Club Lounge on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 in Woodinville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Two winery restaurants in Woodinville stand out

You wouldn’t expect to get world-class pizza at a winery,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.