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WPPA Staff Members

Eric D. Johnson, Executive Director
Eric Johnson was appointed Executive Director of the Washington Public Ports Association effective January 2009.. As Executive Director, Eric represents the state ports' interests to state and federal elected and appointed officials as well as to international and domestic business, trade and investment interests.

Eric is also responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the Association, including administration, budget, communications, policy and strategic planning functions.

Eric Johnson joined the Washington Public Ports Association in 1988 as the Environmental Affairs Director. Then in December of 2006, he was promoted to Deputy Director.

Eric received a bachelor's degree in biology and political science from Pacific Lutheran University. He is also a graduate of the University of Washington's Graduate School of Public Affairs, receiving a Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in environmental policy and natural resource management. Prior to joining WPPA, he worked for the Washington State Senate.

A native of Washington State, he lives in Olympia with his wife and two daughters.

Johan Hellman, Assistant Director
Johan Hellman joined WPPA in November of 2008. Hellman brings a diverse background and a wealth of political experience to the association.  Previously, he served as the legislative affairs director at Verizon Communications where he was the chief legislative strategist for the Fortune 20 corporation in Washington state.  He also served as communications director of the Senate Democratic Caucus where he was responsible for message development and communications strategy.  He has worked for a contract lobbying firm and also served as the conservation policy manager at the Mountaineers, one of the nation’s premiere outdoor recreation clubs. 

A native Olympian, he serves on the boards of several community organizations, including Community Youth Services and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.  Hellman graduated from WSU with a B.A. in communications.  He and his wife, Becky, have two children.

Ginger Eagle, Assistant Director
Ginger Eagle joined WPPA as Government Affairs Representative in July, 2005. She represents the port community before the legislature on issues of economic development, freight mobility, and public works funding. In addition, she works with the Association's Cooperative Development and Trade and Economic Development, developing policies designed to ensure a port district's success in its community.

Prior to joining WPPA, Ginger served as Vice President of Programming for TVW, the state's public affairs television network. Ginger worked at TVW from its inception in 1995. She also spent many years working as a staff member for various legislative offices.

A native of Whatcom County, Ginger received a bachelor's degree from The Evergreen State College. She is very active in her local PTA chapter. She lives in Lacey with her husband and daughter.

Linda Gribble, Office Manager
Linda Gribble has been with the Association more than 16 years. As Office Manager, she oversees all accounting and payroll functions, develops the annual budget, and serves as meeting planner for WPPA's many seminars. Linda also works closely with the Association's Finance Committee, assisting the state's ports in maintaining proper accounting and finance policies.

Prior to joining WPPA, Linda worked for the Washington Association of County Officials. She also has many years of experience working with a non-profit trade association. In total, Linda has over 30 years of experience in association administration, operations, and meeting planning. She received her bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of California - Davis.