ERIC FFITCH - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Eric ffitch joined the Washington Public Ports Association in January 2023. 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 brings more than 13 years of experience in federal and state government relations, including seven years spent in Washington, D.C., working as congressional staff to then-Representative Jay Inslee, Representative Suzanne Bonamici from Oregon, and Senator Maria Cantwell. Prior to joining WPPA Eric led state government relations for the Port of Seattle where he was the Port of Seattle’s primary liaison to the Association. Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Spanish Literature from Colby College in Maine. He spends most of his free time outside with his wife Brooke and his dog Arthur, exploring the San Juans with his big extended family, or struggling on the golf course. He remains a devoted fan of the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Sounders, and the Portland Trailblazers.
CHRIS HERMAN - DEPUTY director
Chris Herman has worked in logistics and supply chain for 20 years and has experience working in all facets of the management of goods movement. He has managed supply chain operations, strategy, and optimization for companies in a diverse group of industries including agricultural, petrochemical, energy and direct-to-consumer retail.
Chris brought his talents to the Washington State Department of Transportation in 2012, where he led freight rail planning and policy and oversaw the department’s freight rail grant and loan programs and managed the Washington State Grain Train.
A native of the Midwest, Chris enjoys the mountains and all things outdoors.
Carly Michiels - Senior Director of Environmental Policy
Carly Michiels has more than eight years of experience in government relations, strategic communications, and environmental policy analysis and advocacy, including working as Legislative Aide to Wisconsin State Representative Gordon Hintz. This role, which included advising caucus members on key environment, energy, and budget issues, kickstarted her career and passion for environmental policy and political strategy.
As the legislative Advisor for the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), Carly lobbied for complex agency positions, worked on the state budget, and supported various state workforce modernization initiatives, including working on the State Clean Energy Plan with the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy. Prior to working for the DOA, she was the Government Affairs Director for Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization, where she also served as political advisor to the Board of Directors.
Carly holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and environmental studies from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and a master’s degree in environmental policy and Natural Resource Management from Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Administration.
James Cockburn - Government Relations Manager
James Cockburn joins us from the Retired Public Employees Council, where he worked for seven years beginning as their administrative assistant and working his way up to the Executive Director role. In that capacity, his duties included supporting Council needs and key relationships; researching and advising on policy issues; and representing and communicating Council priorities to the Legislature. Most recently, James staffed and advised committees for Community Transit in a senior leadership role within the Finance and Administration Department. He began his career working on campaigns for state and local elected officials.
With experience in advocacy, policy analysis and strategic communication, he’s the perfect fit as WPPA’s Government Relations Manager. In this role, James supports WPPA’s state legislative advocacy work by working to collaboratively build and implement the Association’s legislative program and acting as a resource and connection point for WPPA staff, our members, and policymakers.
James has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington State University and is a native of Sequim, Washington. Outside of work, Cockburn is a wine enthusiast and enjoys traveling to Washington’s many premier growing regions. He and his family also enjoy Sounders soccer where he will join the current Executive Director as another soccer fanatic in the WPPA office.
TASHA CILURSO - BUSINESS MANAGER/AUDITOR
Tasha Cilurso is responsible for the administration of WPPA office operations, financial, personnel and building management. As Auditor, Tasha also provides independent support and assurance of risk management, governance, and internal controls. Tasha comes from a diverse background, having spent over a decade in hotel management with Hilton and InterContinental Hotels Group. Tasha holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington.
Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, trying new recipes and spoiling her two black labs.
MANDY LILL - MEMBER DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Mandy Lill joined Washington Public Ports Association in January 2023. She is the primary connection for members and partners, is responsible for providing communication and administrative support, and manages the associations meetings and conferences. Mandy has 14 years experience in the port industry and most recently served as marketing specialist for Ecological Land Services, an environmental consulting firm and WPPA Associate Member. Mandy worked for the association previously from 2009-2015 as the Member Services Manager. Her background includes administrative, project, and logistics management.
When not at work, you will find Mandy spending time with her family and doing things outdoors. She especially enjoys golfing with friends, checking out new restaurants and wineries, and traveling.