PORT TOWNSEND — Allison Alderman is leaving her position as Fort Worden State Park manager next week after eleven months on the job.
Alderman’s last day at Fort Worden is Jan. 18.
“I see this as an opportunity to simplify my life,” Alderman said of the move Wednesday.
Washington State Parks Field Operation Manager Ed Girard said the parks system has not determined a strategy for an interim manager of the park and hopes to do so prior to Alderman’s last day.
“We have a little time in order to make the right decision as to what will best fit our needs as we move forward,” Girard said.
“There are a few key people in the park that can step up and help to sustain the work that is now in process.”
Girard said that the job of Fort Worden park manager may differ from that of other state parks because of the developing co-management agreement with the Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority.
Alderman said that the Fort Worden staff, which numbers 32 people, was indispensable during her tenure.
Alderman’s job as a region operations manager in the State Parks Northwest Region Office was eliminated in late 2011.
Having 21 years in the State Parks system, Alderman exercised her option of displacing — or “bumping” — a less senior park employee, in this case Kate Burke, the former Fort Worden State Park manager who is now working for Jefferson Healthcare.
Alderman last February called her new position “a lateral move” with regard to responsibility and salary.
She was earning $78,500 annually, the same salary Burke earned.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
