PORT TOWNSEND — Celeste Tell has been appointed the interim executive director of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority as the agency searches for a lead director.

“Celeste is an ideal leader for the PDA during this transitionary period,” said Board Chair David King. “She is capable, fearless, and well-suited to preserving the recent momentum we’ve gained.”

The PDA has been looking for a new executive director since David Timmons announced in July he was planning to retire. Tell’s term will begin Oct. 2.

Tell is currently serving as vice chair of the PDA board and City of Port Townsend ordinances prevent current members from serving as executive director for at least one year after the end of their current term. The Port Townsend City Council granted a waiver for Tell’s interim appointment, citing special circumstances and support for the move, the PDA said in a statement.

“This allows Tell to begin as interim Executive Director after her resignation from the board although she would not be able to apply for the permanent position until a year after the end of her current term,” the PDA said.

Experience

Tell is the CEO of consulting company Epicycled and a senior associate with Advanced Workplace Associates, an international consulting firm.

“She has more than 40 years of experience directing and managing large, technically, and organizationally complex capital projects in both the public and private sectors. Previous clients include Google, Alaska Airlines, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, City and County of Honolulu, Seattle Public Utilities and Washington Department of Transportation.”

The Fort Worden PDA has been struggling with finances and staffing levels for several years and in 2022 its former Chief Financial Officer, Diane Moody, was charged with stealing funds from the agency.

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Reporter Peter Segall can be reached at peter.segall@peninsuladailynews.com.