Director of Finance & Administration
M. Donna Nichols

Donna Nichols has been the Director of Finance and Administration for the Port District since January 1996.  She manages all areas of finance and accounting, and supervises administrative staff at all locations.  Donna and her staff are responsible for preparing monthly financial reports for the Port Commission, developing and monitoring the annual budget, and working with the independent contractors for the annual audit each fiscal year.  Donna partners with the Port’s Deputy Executive Director to supervise human resources and risk management for the Port.  Donna acts as Agency Administrator and Budget Officer for the Coos County North Bay District Urban Renewal Agency.

Prior to joining the Port, Donna worked in the private sector.  She supervised all aspects of finance and accounting for a California winery for 12 years, and also was involved in corporate public relations for the company during that time.  Donna’s training and education include course work at Napa College in Napa, California.  She participates in the Professional Finance Officers program through the Government Finance Officers Association, and is a member of the Oregon Municipal Finance Officers Association.  She is a Board member of the Coos Curry Douglas Business Development Corporation.  She serves as Board Secretary and Budget Committee Member for Southwestern Oregon Community College. She participated in the Ford Institute Leadership Program for Community Building and is a Flags and Flowers Committee Member.

Donna is married to Larry Nichols, a general contractor specializing in masonry design.  They have two children; Jessica, who attends University of Auburn in Alabama completing her Masters Degree in education; and Sam, who is working in the apprentice program of Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters.  Donna volunteers for the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Coos Program, and is Treasurer of the Coos Bay Kiwanis Club. 

E-Mail: dnichols@portofcoosbay.com