Port of Portland appoints new Chief Financial Officer

The Port of Portland has named Alissa Mahar as its new Chief Financial Officer, with her tenure beginning on April 14, 2026.

Mahar brings extensive senior financial leadership experience across public institutions and higher education in the Pacific Northwest.

Most recently, Mahar served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business and Finance at Seattle Pacific University, where she led institutional financial strategy, multi-year forecasting, long-range capital planning and enterprise operations.

Prior to that role, she held senior financial positions with the University of Washington, Clackamas Community College and the City of Portland.

Across her career she has overseen large-scale capital financing initiatives spanning transportation infrastructure, fire station improvements, affordable housing strategies and academic facility development, as well as enterprise risk management and major systems implementations including Workday Finance and HR.

Curtis Robinhold, Port of Portland Executive Director, described Mahar as a leader who combines strong technical capability with a commitment to mission-driven leadership, expressing confidence in her ability to serve as a strategic and disciplined steward of the port’s financial future.

Mahar, a third-generation Oregonian, cited the Port of Portland’s commitment to supporting local communities and regional economic growth as the primary draw to the role.

In her new position, she will report directly to the Executive Director and oversee both finance and information technology functions, sitting at the intersection of capital stewardship, digital modernisation and public accountability.

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