Aberdeen, WA – The Port of Grays Harbor’s Director of Planning & Engineering Kris Koski was recognized at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) 2026 Annual Convention in New Orleans for completing the Port Professional Manager (PPM®) program. AAPA’s PPM certification is a prestigious educational program designed to provide port professionals with a deep understanding of the multifaceted world of port operations, management, and leadership.

Mr. Koski started the program in 2024 and completed the required curriculum and courses on a range of topics including Terminal Operations, Finance, Energy & Environment, Public Relations, Engineering, Information Technology, Trade, Supply Chain and Legal. Throughout the program, he also participated in AAPA’s Engineering, Construction and Maintenance Committee. For his PPM capstone project, Mr. Koski completed a paper titled “FRA Quiet Zones: Analysis of Existing Quiet Zones and Implementation Guidance” which is a resource for agencies exploring the feasibility and implementation of railroad Quiet Zones.

“We are so proud of Kris’s hard work and dedication to the PPM program, all while overseeing the largest infrastructure project in Port history,” shared Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Leonard Barnes. “Kris is an incredible asset to the Port and our community and no doubt this program will benefit him and the Port well into the future.”

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to grow my professional knowledge and experience through this amazing program and the port colleagues I met from around the nation,” stated Director of Planning & Engineering Kris Koski. “Thank you to all who have supported and encouraged me, and I look forward to using what I have learned to give back to the community.”

Kris was appointed Director of Planning & Engineering at the Port in October 2025 after serving as Port Engineer since 2021. He is responsible for planning, permitting, environmental, engineering, and construction activities at all the Port’s facilities. In his role, he oversees capital project development, budgeting, regulatory compliance, contract administration, dredging coordination, and stakeholder collaboration. Kris holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Washington State.

Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts and Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Ocean. The Port of Grays Harbor operates 4 deep-water marine terminals, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport, Grays Harbor Pilotage Services, numerous public waterfront access facilities, in addition to industrial and business parks throughout the County. Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and only 1 ½ hours from open sea, the Port of Grays Harbor provides businesses a diverse portfolio of facilities. More information on the Port of Grays Harbor’s facilities and operations is available at portofgraysharbor.com.