LAPUSH — Kyle Taylor Lucas’ resignation as executive director of the Quileute tribe was a mutual parting of ways, according to tribal members and Lucas.

Lucas and Tribal Council members said they decided together that the position couldn’t accommodate her personal needs.

“I’m very committed to my work and doing a good job,” Lucas said.

“So I couldn’t approach it half-heartedly.”

Lucas, 52, served in the position for only five months before leaving in early January.

She said her daily three- to four-hour commute from Port Angeles to LaPush played a big factor in her decision to leave.

When she accepted the position in August, housing in LaPush or near it was difficult to find, Lucas said.

Tribal Council member Bert Black said the tribe offered her an apartment on the reservation, but she declined the accommodations.

Housing a concern for tribe

The lack of housing in LaPush has been a concern of the tribe for some time, both in recruiting staff and providing for the needs of its members, Tribal Chairman Russell Woodruff said.

The one-square-mile reservation is squeezed for adequate living space, and that is part of the reason why the tribe is trying to acquire more land, he said.

Lucas came to the tribe with a wealth of experience, having served as the director of the state Office of Indian Affairs and tribal relations manager for the state Department of Natural Resources.