We are the Port of Centralia

Centrally located between Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, the Port of Centralia has both easy highway and railroad access. The Port currently has 35 businesses in its parks providing over 2,000 jobs to the local economy and is developing a mixed-use project called Centralia Station.

Mission

Our mission is to create economic development through our master-planned industrial parks and mixed-use developments that provide jobs and tax revenues to the local economy, while improving the quality of life for citizens of Centralia and Lewis County.

Vision

Our vision is to enhance and diversify the county’s economy and employment base. Our goal is to be the premier site for industrial development in Lewis County and along the I-5 corridor.

Governance Structure

The Port of Centralia is a municipal corporation governed by a three-member elected commission. Since its inception in 1986, the Port has grown to comprise over 1,500 acres in two master-planned industrial campuses and one mixed-use development.

Supporting the Community

The Port represents over 20 percent of the tax base in Centralia. The tax revenue generated by Port of Centralia tenants helps fund the Centralia School District and Lewis County, as well as important social services including Riverside Fire Authority and Timberland Regional Library.

Commissioners

The Port of Centralia Commission meets at 3:00 pm on the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Port’s Administrative Office, 3508 Galvin Road, Centralia, WA 98531.

KYLE MARKSTROM

District 1

Kyle Markstrom is a lifelong Centralia resident and a Centralia High School graduate. He has volunteered with the Centralia School District and Lewis County Citizens Budget Committee and serves as the president of the Noah Jon Markstrom Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grants and scholarships to individuals who wish to pursue careers in pediatric medicine.

ALLY PICKARD

District 2

Ally Pickard brings extensive experience in public sector financial management and government operations. She has more than 15 years of experience in budgeting, payroll, purchasing, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds. Her professional background provides a practical understanding of how government decisions impact taxpayers and local businesses. She is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable economic development.

PETER LAHMANN

District 3

Peter Lahmann is a lifelong Centralia resident and graduated from both Centralia High School and Centralia College. He and his wife, Denise, have two children and have owned a small antique store downtown Centralia since 1984. Peter is currently serving on the Lewis County Historical Society Board and Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council Board.

Past Commissioners

Bob Thompson

1986-1997

Don Meek

1998-2009

Art Lehman

1986-2011

Gene Groshong

1986-2015

Matt Evans

2012-2017

Dan Keahey

2010-2020

Julie Shaffley

2016-2025