PORT ANGELES — The Clallam Transit Board has accepted the resignation of General Manager Wendy Clark-Getzin.
After a closed-door executive session, the board voted 8-0 Monday to accept a letter of resignation and a resignation and release agreement.
The board did not discuss Clark-Getzin’s resignation or the general manager replacement process before voting in open session.
Later in the meeting, the board voted unanimously to ratify Interim General Manger Kevin Gallacci’s actions to date and to appoint Gallacci as acting general manager.
Clark-Getzin, who did not attend the meeting, will be on administrative leave until her resignation takes effect May 30, according to the resignation and release agreement.
She will be paid full salary and benefits for six months after her resignation. She will receive $10,000 for moving expenses and a lifetime Clallam Transit pass, the agreement states.
Clark-Getzin was hired as the agency’s chief executive in April 2013. She was capital and facilities director at Kitsap Transit prior to moving to Clallam Transit.
Clallam Transit officials would not comment on the status of the general manager’s position in a series of interviews earlier this month.
In an April 7 interview, Clark-Getzin declined to reveal why she was leaving, saying only that it was her decision and that she had not discussed it with the board.
The resignation and release agreement includes confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses preventing the parties from discussing the resignation.
During the public comment portion of Monday’s meeting, a retired Clallam Transit employee asked the board why Clark-Getzin was not present.
“That’s a personnel issue and it’s confidential, so we cannot speak to that,” Chairwoman Genaveve Starr said.
In making a motion to appoint Gallacci as acting general manager, Vice Chairman Mark Ozias explained that the Administration and Finance Committee would “formulate a recommendation to the board for how to move forward with regard to our search for a new general manager.”
The committee also will recommend additional compensation for Gallacci based on his added level of responsibility, Ozias said.
In her April 7 letter of resignation, Clark-Getzin reflects on the agency’s accomplishments during her tenure, including the recent approval of a daily bus service from Port Angeles to the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal.
“Some of my proudest moments were performing post-recession restorative actions such as being a host site for the Olympic Peninsula Regional Roadeo, topping off a four month operating reserve, filling vacancies with a diversified workforce and increasing support for Peninsula College students,” Clark-Getzin wrote in her resignation letter.
“My last proud moment has assuredly changed the history of Clallam Transit with new out-of-boundary service with anticipated full cost recovery from fares.”
The 75-mile Strait Shot service to Bainbridge Island is scheduled to begin June 17.
“This last year, leading the Operations Department ‘Leadership Team’ for an elongated period, in addition to my role as general manager, was taxing for me and my family,” Clark-Getzin added.
“I am proud to say the collaborative effort produced the intended results.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
