sam-gibboneyPort of Port Townsend Commissioners have selected Sam Gibboney as Executive Director of the Port of Port Townsend. She will succeed current Executive Director Larry Crockett, who is retiring at the end of May.  The three-member Commission voted unanimously on May 9 to offer the job to Gibboney, who will begin working in a transitional capacity this month before starting full-time in early June.

Commission President Peter Hanke Jr., explained that Gibboney’s diverse skillset was a good match for the Port and the broader community. “Our search process was thorough, and brought forth three very strong candidates.  The Commissioners decided that Sam’s professional expertise and connection to the community, made her an ideal selection as the next Port Executive Director,” said Hanke.

“I am delighted at the opportunity to return and serve the community that I love and know well,” said Gibboney. “This is both a challenging and exciting time for the Port, and I look forward to joining the team. Together, we can make sound strategic decisions, build effective partnerships, and provide the kind of excellent customer service that befits our community. “

The Executive Director functions as the Port’s chief executive officer and is responsible to the Board of Commissioners for overall leadership, implementation and management of Port policies and operations, the profitable operation of Port facilities, efficient management of Port staff, and directing Port community relations with the public and other agencies. Responsibilities also include leadership and management of the Port’s economic development, environmental, and customer service efforts.

Sam Gibboney holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and received her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs. She is currently Director of Environmental Resources and a Deputy Director of Public Works for San Juan County, with responsibility for stormwater, solid waste and natural resource programs. She lived in Jefferson County for 20 years, and was the principal and owner of ISE Consulting for 13 years, providing project management, strategic planning, funding and communication strategies to government agencies and nonprofits. She served five years as a civil engineer for the City of Port Townsend and had stints at both Washington State University Cooperative Extension and Jefferson Land Trust.

According to Commissioner Hanke, Gibboney will assume responsibility for an active Port with a lot on its plate. “Looking ahead, the Port faces an array of really challenging projects, including stormwater mitigation and replacement of the Point Hudson Breakwater,” he said. “The Commission is looking to Sam to provide leadership and efficiency in the management of these and other projects. However, the Port is as much about people as projects, and the Commissioners are eager to work with Sam to support our employees in this time of change, and build consensus amongst our many stakeholders as we face the challenges in front of us.”

The Port of Port Townsend was established in 1924.  Throughout Jefferson County, the Port owns, operates and maintains approximately 550 acres of property supporting a diverse range of uses – from marinas, boat and shipyards, commercial uplands, parklands, shoreline public access areas and an international airport.