The Port of Kingston announced three candidates for the vacant executive director position. On Wednesday, people had a chance to meet each of them.
Commissioners are hoping to make a decision by the end of the month. The selected candidate will replace Jim Pivarnik, the ports’s former executive director who resigned in September to work as interim executive director for the Port of Port Townsend.
Coincidentally, the former executive director for the Port of Port Townsend, Sam Gibboney, is one of the three candidates for the Port of Kingston job.
Gibboney tendered her resignation from the port back in August. During her tenure, commissioners instructed the port’s attorney to draft a letter of rebuke to the Port Townsend Marine Trades Association and the Northwest Maritime Center following a photo presentation that included the image of a person who allegedly assaulted Gibboney.
Gibboney stated that commissioners had inquired about the conflict during the interview process.
“Commissioners asked me about that and I think I gave them some sufficient answers for it,” Gibboney said. “I’m truly looking forward and understanding that sometimes when a public servant is serving as a change agent, they can become an unfortunate target and that’s what happened.”
Also in the running is Greg Englin. Englin currently serves as the Port of Port Townsend’s director of operations and business development.
“I am committed to public service,” Englin said. “I love Kingston. My kids grew up on Bainbridge and Poulsbo, but we came over to Kingston as part of our overall community. We went to Drifters for hamburgers and chicken strips I don’t know how many times.”
Josh Peters is the third candidate. When asked what made him a good candidate, Peters pointed to his experience working in the public sector.
“I’ve had a variety of experience in different facets of public service that puts me in a good position to be a port leader. I’ve been a land use planner, a transportation planner and a land manager of state-owned aquatic lands — that’s my current job with DNR.” Peters said. “I just think this would be a great fit, and I would really relish the opportunity to work here in Kingston.”
Commissioner Laura Gronnvoll said her ideal candidate would be one who appeals to both commissioners and staff.
“There’s lots of things on our plate upcoming and we want them to be someone who can add to it, who can relate to staff,” Gronnvoll said.
— Nick Twietmeyer is a reporter with Kitsap News Group. Nick can be reached at ntwietmeyer@soundpublishing.com.
