The Port of Portland selected Alissa Mahar as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Her first day in the role will be April 14, 2026.
Most recently, Mahar served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business & Finance at Seattle Pacific University. She led institutional financial strategy, multi-year forecasting, long-range capital planning, and enterprise operations.
"Alissa stood out immediately as a leader who balances tremendous technical skill and experience with a commitment to mission-driven leadership," says Curtis Robinhold, Port of Portland Executive Director. "I’m confident she will be a strategic, inclusive, and disciplined steward of our financial future."
Prior to this role, she held senior financial leadership positions with the University of Washington, Clackamas Community College, and the City of Portland. Over her career, Mahar has led large-scale capital financing initiatives, including transportation infrastructure investments, fire station capital improvements, affordable housing financing strategies, and the development of new academic and administrative facilities. She has also guided enterprise risk management and major systems implementations, including Workday Finance and HR.
"I’ve committed my career in service to communities across the Pacific Northwest," said Mahar. "The Port of Portland’s commitment to helping local communities and economies thrive drew me to this role and I’m excited to help them craft financial strategies that sustain and expand their positive impact across the region."
Reporting to the Executive Director, the CFO oversees both finance and information technology. The CFO sits at the intersection of capital stewardship, digital modernization, and public accountability, playing a central role in shaping how the Port allocates capital, manages risk, modernizes its systems, and delivers on its mission for decades to come.
A third generation Oregonian, outside of work you’ll find Mahar enjoying time with her family, playing sports, and exploring all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
