Puzey is retiring from Port of Umatilla

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – Port of Umatilla General Manager Kim B. Puzey has announced his retirement. It will become effective on Jan. 31, 2027.

Puzey was one of 384 applicants for the position in 1993. It took 10 months for the candidates to be whittled down to three before he was offered the position. According to a news release his experience included agriculture production and processing, workforce development, infrastructure and economic development, and international trade. He also had experience with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the North American Free Trade Act.

In addition to being the chief executive officer of the Port of Umatilla, Puzey has served as chairman of both the Blue Mountain Community College Board of Trustees and the Columbia Development Authority. He was also instrumental in creating the Hermiston Higher Education Center, according to a release from the port.

He also served as president of the Hermiston Rotary Club, president of the Columbia-Snake River Marketing Group, president of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, and president of the Association of Pacific Ports.

The commissioners for the Port of Umatilla has not yet announced a succession plan.

Photo of Kim Puzey via Facebook