PORT ANGELES — Longtime Port of Port Angeles marketing and property manager Pat Deja is leaving the port, both because of health concerns and to build his own consulting business.
“He’s done a heck of a job with many different projects,” said Jeff Robb, port executive director.
Deja started at the port in 1997, and managed the port’s business operations.
For two years, the position was eliminated during a period of layoffs, but when the port’s economic situation improved, Deja was rehired in his previous position.
He was selected from 31 applicants and four finalists for the job, which paid about $71,500 annually, said Robb in 2010.
Since then, Deja has been the center of many important port activities, including the ACTI expansion at the airport business park, acquiring the Blake Property and the port’s contract with Murray’s Disposal, Robb said.
Deja, who will remain at the port through the end of December, cited health concerns and a desire to spend more time working with his 2-year-old consulting business, Deja Developments.
“It’s time to move on,” Deja said.
Port officials have started the process of interviewing several candidates.
Port commissioners will consider a selected candidate at the Nov. 14 meeting, Robb said.
Holly Hairell, human resources manager, declined to release the salary associated with the position because of pending negotiations with the selected candidate.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.