Port of Mattawa announces new director

MATTAWA — As expected, the Port of Mattawa has named Lars Leland as its new director. The Sun Tribune reported in January Leland had been named interim director after director Robert Adler announced his retirement. Leland grew up on his family’s farm in Mattawa, so he has a vested interest in serving the community and Port district.

He graduated from Wahluke High School and attended Washington State University, earning a degree in Economics in 2013. Leland started working part-time at the Port assisting with the Industrial Wastewater Facility until he moved to full-time in 2015 to serve as assistant director. He is also involved in local organizations such as the Mattawa/Desert-Aire Lions Club, and is the current president of the Mattawa Chamber of Commerce.