Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Port of Pasco Picks New Executive Director

Port of Pasco Director of Planning and Engineering Randy Hayden has been chosen to become the port’s new executive director, and will take over for current director Jim Toomey, who is retiring at the end of 2013.

Hayden, who’s been with the port since 2000, was chosen via a unanimous decision vote by the Port of Pasco Commission on June 27. Under the Commission’s action, Hayden was appointed deputy executive director effective July 1, and will then move up to fill the executive director seat upon Toomey’s retirement.

Under the plan, Hayden’s salary now increases from $117,000 annually to $120,000.

“I am humbled and honored by your decision,” Hayden told the three-member Commission June 27.

The Port of Pasco, located in the Tri-Cities region of Washington State, manages a 28-acre marine terminal, 15-acre multi-modal rail/barge terminal, 600-acre industrial center, the Tri-Cities Airport and numerous other properties, with the assets worth more than $130 million dollars.

Hayden’s priorities, according to the Commission, will include industrial development and business recruitment, as well as a major airport expansion.

The Tri-Cities Airport is currently planning the largest expansion project in its history: a $36 million project that would nearly double the size of the existing terminal. Construction’s slated to begin in early 2014.