After 44 Years of Public Service, Port of Everett’s Carolyn Diedrich Retires

After nearly 44 years of public service at the Port of Everett, Assistant Controller & Records Officer Carolyn Diedrich retired on May 1.

Mallory Good, the Port’s new Assistant Controller, has taken on the majority of Diedrich’s role. Good’s position maintains complex accounts within the Port’s financial system and assists the Finance Director.

“I want to thank Carolyn for her many years of dedicated service to the Port of Everett and its many constituents,” Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber said. “As the longest-tenured employee in Port history, she not only has witnessed a lot of change at the Port, but also has helped manage the Port’s finances over the better part of four decades, earning 26 years of clean financial audits. We wish Carolyn all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

With her 44 years, Diedrich beats recent retiree Jim Weber’s employment record. Weber retired as the Port’s Marina Operations Director after 43 years as a full-time employee – although his part-time work added up to 47 years total with the Port. The two combined have provided 91 years of service to the Port of Everett.

After taking accounting and payroll classes at Everett Community College, Diedrich was hired as the Port’s Receptionist/Accounts Receivable Technician in 1980. She was just 17.

It didn’t take long for her to move onto the Finance team. Diedrich held many accounting and administrative roles over the years, specializing in accounts payable, HR, payroll, liabilities, assets, records management and more. She finished her career as the Assistant Controller, a position she held since 2019. Throughout her time with the Port, Diedrich was also the Records Officer.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know all these parts of the Port,” Diedrich said. “It’s much more than a marina – especially when you’re in Finance. There’s the Port’s international seaport and real estate developments too.”

Having big shoes to fill, Good joined the Port of Everett in July 2023, bringing 12 years of experience in accounting management and financial systems. Prior to joining the Port, she worked as the Accounting Manager for Snohomish County and a Tax Accountant at Kieckhafer, Schiffer & Company.

“I am eager to collaboratively work with the team to contribute to the continued growth and success of the Port,” Good said. “While the transition may have its challenges, I approach it with a growth mindset and a willingness to learn.”

Good is a graduate of Washington State University, having earned her master’s degree in accounting with a concentration in taxation and her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to join the Port of Everett, as the Port’s commitment to economic development and public stewardship aligns with my values,” Good said.