Ashley Helenberg, Public Affairs Manager for the Port of Longview, has been named chairwoman of the Washington Public Ports Association’s Public Relations Committee. The WPPA’s Executive Committee appointed her to the position in July.
“Our executive board recognized Ashley’s professional excellence and we are excited for her to take over leadership of this important group,” said Eric Johnson, Executive Director of WPPA. “Ashley’s deep knowledge of communication and community outreach strategies will be a great asset to our members.” The Public Relations Committee promotes Washington State’s strong, diverse network of 75 ports and the benefits they provide locally, regionally and nationally. As chairwoman, Helenberg will work with ports on communication, media and community outreach. In addition to collaborating with other association committees, she will oversee the WPPA’s public relations seminar for communications and media relations staff throughout the state’s port community. “As the Port of Longview grows in both size and influence, this is a great opportunity to accept the responsibility to leverage this for the benefit of all our state’s ports,” said Geir-Eilif Kalhagen, Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Longview. “I appreciate both the WPPA’s acknowledgement of Ashley’s abilities as well as her willingness to take on this role. She is a great choice.” Helenberg has been a member of the WPPA’s Public Relations committee since joining the Port of Longview in 2008. In her role at the Port she oversees communications and government relations, which frequently take her to Olympia and Washington, D.C., to advocate for funding for transportation infrastructure such as highway improvements, Columbia River dredging and jetty maintenance.