Port of Everett Marina Operations Director Jim Weber to Retire, Bryan Johnson Hired to Take on New Role
EVERETT, WASH. – After nearly a half-century of public service at the Port of Everett, Marina Operations Director Jim Weber has announced his retirement. The Port has hired Bryan Johnson Jr., former Senior Operations Facilities Coordinator for Shilshole Bay Marina, to take on the majority of Weber’s role.
Johnson stepped in as the Port’s new Marina Operations Manager on June 12. The role oversees maintenance operations of the largest public marina on the West Coast with a focus on marina facilities, boatyard operations, landscaping and the fuel dock.
Weber has taken on an advisory role to provide support during the management transition until he retires on July 31.
“I want to thank Jim for his many years of outstanding service to the Port of Everett,” Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber said. “As the longest Port employee on record, he not only has witnessed a lot of change at the Marina but also had a hand in guiding that change to bring us where we are today. We wish Jim all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Weber was hired onto the Marina Maintenance team in 1980, after working summer jobs at the Port for four years. Over the years, he was promoted to Maintenance Journeyman, then to Marina Maintenance Foreman, and ends his career as Marina Operations Director.
Throughout his Port career, Weber helped design, build, maintain and upgrade many of the Marina’s facilities and projects – from the South, Central and North Marinas to the Jetty Landing Boat Launch, Jetty Island Docks and Boxcar Park. He also helped design the Craftsman District Boatyard and Office and was part of the Waterfront Place project planning team.
Additionally, under Weber’s leadership, the Port of Everett Marina, earned the national title of Marina of the Year by Marina Dock Age in 2019.
“The Port staff and boaters have always been like family to me,” Weber said, adding that when he started at the Port of Everett in 1976, the Central Marina was the only basin. “That is what has always made this a special place for me.”
Johnson joins the Port of Everett with 24 years of experience in marina operations and facilities management in various roles at the Port of Seattle. In addition to Shilshole Bay Marina, Johnson has been stationed at the Seattle port’s Fisherman’s Terminal, Harbor Island Marina and Bell Harbor Marina.
“I am so excited to join the Port of Everett Marina,” Johnson said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s probably one of the top public jobs in the entire city. If you look at the respect Jim has, he’s basically been here for half the Port’s life, he’s been there every step of the way. I have Shaquille O'Neal-sized shoes to fill – but I know I’m capable.”
Johnson is a graduate of Bates Technical College holding a Fire Fighter 1 degree. He was awarded an Exceptional Service Award by the Port of Seattle Chief of Police for helping to coordinate a rescue in 2014.
While testing and volunteering to become a firefighter, Johnson found a job at the Port of Seattle’s Bell Harbor Marina. It didn’t take him long to realize working at a marina suited him more.
“I loved it so much, I couldn't see myself doing anything other than working in a marina and being around the waterfront,” he said. “My mind was made up.”
For more information, contact Catherine Soper, Port of Everett Communications & Marketing Director, at catherines@portofeverett.com.
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About the Port of Everett
The Port of Everett is a special-purpose district tasked with economic development. Through its international seaport, public marina and real estate development, the Port of Everett brings jobs, tax base, business and tourism to our community and region. The Port is a committed steward of the environment and waterfront. Port activities support more than 40,000 jobs in the surrounding community and contribute $433 million in state and local taxes.