By Mark Edward Nero
After being in the position for just two years, Ken O’Hollaren is stepping down as executive director of the Port of Port Angeles, he announced Oct. 26.
At the end of the Port Commission’s most recent meeting, O’Hollaren said he will be leaving the helm on Dec. 31. Being closer to his grandkids and an opportunity in the private sector were given as his reasons for leaving.
O’Hollaren, who retired at the Port of Longview at the end of 2012 after a 32-year career, was brought on to be the Port of Port Angeles’ interim executive director in July 2013. His hiring came about after the sudden resignation of Jeff Robb in June 2013, with health issues cited as the reason.
At the time of his hiring at Port Angeles, O’Hollaren still lived in Longview, which is about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Port Angeles. He said he and his wife, Denise, plan to make their new home in Clark County, Washington in 2016.
“Ken’s leadership, his dedication to our mission and his unwavering passion for doing what is right helped set the stage for our next level of success, Port Commission President Jim Hallett said. “Ken brought a sense of perspective that allowed our staff and commission to work collaboratively on addressing today’s issues and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
The Commission has said it will take some time to develop a plan for hiring a new executive director and will share the plan with the public in the weeks ahead. The port’s current deputy director, Karen Goschen will serve as the interim executive director during the transition period.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the port as executive director, and particularly to work alongside an exceptionally capable staff,” O’Hollaren said. “My successor will have the good fortune of having that same privilege.”