The Port of Tacoma Commission Monday approved the terms of a transition in leadership.
Transition plans call for Executive Director Timothy J. Farrell to work full time through the end of the year, with Port employment officially ending May 31, 2010.
According to the terms, Farrell and the commission will set priorities for Farrell’s focus through the end of the year, ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership.
“We want to assure our staff, our customers, and our community that the Port is dedicated to their continued success,” Commission President Clare Petrich said after the meeting. “We continue to focus on maintaining our competitiveness during this challenging economy.”
At its Oct. 1 meeting, the commission approved agreements to bring NYK Line to Tacoma. Following that meeting, Farrell initiated the discussion with commissioners about a transition in Port leadership.
“Bringing NYK Line to Tacoma was a multi-year effort and a significant milestone, both for the Port and for me personally,” said Farrell. “At age 43, it’s a good time for me to pursue opportunities that have had to sit on the back burner for a while, and to spend more time with my family.”
“Our customers are Number One in Tacoma,” he added, “and we will focus on their success during this transition.”
Farrell sent employees an e-mail late Monday to notify them of the agreement, and he and commissioners are scheduled to meet with Port staff Tuesday morning to discuss the transition.
Agreement terms include:
- Schedule for transitioning to new leadership and Farrell’s availability for consultation.
- Separation benefits similar to those received by department directors earlier this year during a voluntary separation incentive program.
Farrell joined the Port of Tacoma in 2000 as Deputy Executive Director. He has served as Executive Director since 2004.
Before coming to Tacoma, he worked for the Port of Seattle and Massachusetts Port Authority. The native of Falmouth, Mass., earned his bachelor's degree from Middlebury College and received his master's degree in Port and Marine Transportation Management at the University of Washington.
Port commissioners will outline a process soon to name his replacement. In the meantime, Deputy Director John Wolfe will serve as interim director.
About the Port of Tacoma
The Port of Tacoma is an economic engine for South Puget Sound, with more than 43,000 family-wage jobs in Pierce County and 113,000 jobs across Washington state connected to Port activities. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port of Tacoma is among the largest container ports in North America. The Port is also a major center for bulk, breakbulk and project/heavy-lift cargoes, as well as automobiles and trucks.
Contact: Tara Mattina, Port of Tacoma, (253) 428-8674