PORT ANGELES — For Patty Hannah, leading United Way of Clallam County has been like raising another child.

Since the early 1980s, Hannah has watched the community organization expand from a single-focus agency to a multifaceted force — growing as Hannah, too, grew.

But next spring, after more than 20 years as the agency’s executive director, Hannah will turn over the helm to a new leader and retire.

“For me, it’s been a learning process,” said Hannah, 59, during an interview in her small, second-floor downtown office.

A petite woman with short, gray hair and an infectious smile, she plans to stay connected to the Clallam County community as a volunteer after her retirement in March.

“I really need to be connected to people,” Hannah said. “This is a thing I know about myself.

“I need to be involved. That’s what makes me happy.”

Across Clallam County, Hannah is a familiar face to many people.