Port of Tacoma Commissioners narrowed the field of candidates for the Port’s chief executive officer position from a slate of the 12 they received to five finalists during a special May 27 work session.

Finalists include:

— Brian Boyle, an executive with PortsAmerica, a terminal operator

— Bernard Groseclose, former CEO of South Carolina State Ports Authority

— Ned LaGoy, an executive with Sea Star Shipping in Puerto Rico

— Ali Nikkhoo, a former shipping line and trucking company executive

— John Wolfe, Port of Tacoma’s current interim executive director

The five finalists will be interviewed in early to mid-June. Commissioners anticipate hiring a new CEO by July. Tacoma Port commissioners hired search firm Shey-Harding Associates to find a replacement for former Executive Director Tim Farrell, who left the top job at the end of 2009. Deputy Director John Wolfe stepped in Jan. 1 to serve as interim executive director until the commission hires a new leader. The May 27 work session and previous commission meetings are available for viewing from the Port’s Web site at http://www.portoftacoma.com .