Port of Bellingham Launches Search for New Executive Director
The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners has begun a process to to select and hire a new Executive Director. The person they choose will be charged with managing the day-to-day operations of this countywide independent special-purpose government and providing leadership and supervision to the Port's approximately 90 employees. The Commission is responsible for selecting an Executive Director.
Here is the Executive Director job description and application information.
Executive Director Search Process:
Interim Executive Director Appointed:
In June, 2009, Port Facilities Director Fred Seeger was appointed by the Port Commission to serve as Interim Executive Director, as well as Facilities Director, following the departure of Executive Director Jim Darling. Darling left the Port in June to work in a private consulting firm.
Because two Commissioners were up for election in November 2009, the Board of Commissioners decided to wait until after the election to begin the task of selecting a new Executive Director. A new Commissioner, Michael McAuley was seated in January 2010, along with Commissioner Scott Walker who was re-elected.
Process to Choose Search Firm:
On January 12, 2010, the Commission advertised a Request for Proposals from qualified executive search firms. Proposals were due to the Port on February 1 and the three finalist firms gave presentations to the Commission in early March.
Search Firm Selected:
On March 16, 2010, the Commission approved a Personal Services Agreement with Waldron & Company to execute a comprehensive search for a new Executive Director on behalf of the Commission. Waldron was selected following a competitive selection process. Waldron staff will launch a comprehensive search effort, which will begin with interviewing Commissioners, Port staff and community stakeholders about the executive director position and the needs of the Port. The firm estimates the Port of Bellingham search process would take about 90 days.
Waldron and Company has successfully conducted numerous Northwest public sector search efforts including finding executive directors for the ports of Anacortes, Olympia and Ridgefield.
Search Process Underway:
At 2 p.m. March 22, in the Harbor Center Conference Room: The Commission had its first meeting with Waldron to begin this process. At this "Kick-Off Meeting" the Commissioners discussed: whether they would like to form a selection committee, what community stakeholders they would like the consultants to interview and what time line they would like this process to follow. This meeting was open to the public, although there was not a public comment period during this session.
Draft Job Description Discussed:
At 3 p.m., April 19 and April 23, in the Harbor Center Conference Room: the Commission will review and discuss a draft job description for the position. This job description was prepared by Waldron & Company after completing a series of interviews with stakeholders, Port staff and individual Commissioners. This meeting is open to the public, although there will not be public comment taken during this session.
Job Description Approved and Published:
On April 27 the Commissioners approved a final position description and application process. Waldron and Company is sending this out to potential candidates, posting it on their website and including it in advertisements for the job.
Here is a link to the official position description handout.
Recruitment Process Underway
Waldron & Company is in the process of contacting potential candidates and accepting resumes. They will continue to accept resumes for consideration through May 24, 2010. On June 1, Waldron & Company will review the potential candidates with the Port Commission in a closed executive session. To submit a resume or contact Waldron & Company, email infowaldronhr.com or call them at 206-441-4144. Candidates also can fax information to 206-441-5213.
Semifinalists Selected
More than 100 people applied to be considered for the Executive Director position. On June 1, the Port Commission met in executive session and reviewed the candidates and asked Waldron & Company to conduct preliminary interviews with 17 of them. After additional information is gathered, the Commission plans to select finalists who will be invited to Bellingham for interviews in July.
Five Finalists Selected
The Port's Board of Commissioners announced on June 25 that they have invited five finalists to come to Bellingham for interviews the week of July 5. In addition to the formal interviews, the candidates also will take part in an open, public reception. Everyone is welcome to attend the reception, at 5 p.m., Thursday, July 8, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven. At this event each candidate will make brief introductory comments, followed by time for people to meet the finalists. To learn more about the candidates, click here.
Four Finalists Will Come to Bellingham on July 8
On June 29, finalist Larry Williams withdrew from consideration for the Executive Director position. Mr. Williams said that he had decided to pursue opportunities that are more in line with his personal and professional goals. The remaining four finalists will be in Bellingham from July 7-9 for interviews, tours and a community reception. Everyone is welcome to attend the reception at 5 p.m., Thursday, July 8, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven.
Commission Announces It Will Broaden Candidate Pool
On July 16, Port Commissioners announced that they have directed Waldron and Associates to work with them in seeking additional candidates to interview for this position. They will be re-evaluating the applications that they received in May to choose new people to interview. Although they were invited to continue in the process, all of the earlier finalists withdrew from consideration. The Commission hopes to interview additional candidates by the end of August.
What's Next? Information about future meetings and updates about this search process updates will be provided on this web page. Comments or Questions? Please send your comments or questions to infoportofbellingham.com or call the Port at 360-676-2500.
