RICHLAND, WA –The Port of Benton Commission swore-in newly elected District 3 Commissioner, Lori Stevens at the January 12, 2022 Commission Meeting.

Stevens replaces longtime Port Commissioner, Jane Hagarty, who had served since 1996.

Stevens, a fourth-generation resident of the Lower Valley and graduate of Sunnyside High School, holds a Master of Wine Business from the University of Adelaide, Australia and is the owner-operator of Airfield Estates Winery and Airport Ranches, Inc., where she has dedicated the past 15 years to successfully establishing the family winery and tasting room in Prosser.  In addition to the Prosser tasting room, Airfield also has locations in Woodinville and Vancouver, which are designed to promote and advertise the agriculture and wine industry success of the region.

Stevens stated that she is “excited for the opportunity and looks forward to helping foster and promote economic growth for the Port of Benton region through strategic planning, development, and long-term property management.”

Stevens indicated that her goals include increased local business opportunities and awareness, employment, and tourism while maintaining and improving the Port of Benton owned properties, including the Prosser and Richland Airports.  As District 3 Commissioner, Stevens will serve on the Prosser Economic Development Association Board and Benton City Chamber of Commerce among several others organizations and committees.

Stevens is a mom to three young boys, ages three, six, and eight and has stated that she plans to make Benton County her family’s home for generations to come.

The Port of Benton will continue to focus on their strategic plan and several projects slated for 2022, including a large electrical replacement project at the Richland Airport, rail crossing repair at Van Giesen St. and Swift Blvd. and continued infrastructure repairs and maintenance.

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