Port of Kalama today bids adieu to longtime finance manager Stu Shelby. Shelby, who retires today, has worked at the Port for nearly 20 years managing all financial statements, budgeting processes, and annual audits in addition to day-to-day finance needs of the Port.
Shelby has overseen the financing of some of the Port’s milestone projects like the Kalama River Industrial Park, Columbia River Channel Deepening, Haydu Park and the first phase of Spencer Creek Business Park, the new Administrative Building and Interpretive Center and now the new McMenamins slated to open in April.
“The development and growth we’ve seen over the last 20 years—well, it hasn’t been boring,” laughs Shelby. “The Port of Kalama has been an incredible place to work and contribute to the community—the commissioners and staff are the best team around, so diligent and supportive. It’s been a terrific opportunity.”
“The commission cannot thank Stu enough for his guidance as our in-house auditor and for his attention to details in the management of our finances over the past two decades of growth,” said Commissioner Randy Sweet, Port of Kalama Commission President. “We are so pleased to announce that Mindy Heuer, who has trained under Stu’s guidance, will now assume that important position.”
Heuer, currently accounting specialist at the Port, has accepted the promotion to finance manager. Heuer, who just finished her Masters of Science in Finance at Seattle University this week, will now manage the department and oversee financing and accounting for all of the myriad Port projects. Heuer is also a certified public accountant.
“Stu leaves such incredibly big shoes to fill—I’ve learned so much from him and I’ll miss him terribly,” says Heuer. “He set up a system that runs like clockwork—he’s been meticulous in his management and accounting which makes it easy to pick right up. We wish him well in his new adventures.”
