PORT TOWNSEND — Larry Crockett, who has served as the Port of Port Townsend’s executive director since 1999, has announced he will retire June 1.
Crockett made the announcement Wednesday.
“The time is right for me to step away,” he said in an email.
“We have a stable commission in place, current port projects are well in hand and we have sufficient time before the next budget cycle begins.
“This is a window of opportunity that I hope will allow the port to move forward with minimal impact.
“I’ll be 69 this summer, and I have some other adventures I want to try while I am still in good health.”
Commission President Peter Hanke said commissioners will begin discussions immediately on a process for replacing Crockett.
He said Crockett has accomplished much during his tenure.
“When Larry was hired in 1999, the port couldn’t pay its bills and had to secure a line of credit just to meet cash flow,” Hanke said.
“He and his staff have done an outstanding job of placing the port on sound financial footing, which enables more than 400 marine trades jobs to flourish in an environment where other ports are struggling.”
Born in Presque Isle, Maine, Crockett earned a bachelor’s at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and a master’s at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Fla.
He served 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in February 1999 as a full colonel.
While in service, he attended numerous schools, including the Command and General Staff College and Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
He has commanded at all levels and is a decorated combat veteran, according to the press release.
“The thing I miss most about the military was the fact that in 30 years of service, I felt that I was part of something larger than myself,” Crockett said.
“I never thought I would get that feeling again after retiring. But I found that again at the Port of Port Townsend.”
The port’s executive director is responsible for all operations and lease negotiations with more than 175 tenants/businesses, leading a staff of 26 people who oversee operations of three marinas, boat yards, industrial parks and Jefferson County International Airport.