PORT TOWNSEND — Port of Port Townsend commissioners today named former port deputy director Jim Pivarnik interim executive director following the resignation of Sam Gibboney on Wednesday.
Commissioners took action in a special meeting today.
Pivarnik, 66, will begin work on Sept. 18. Eric Toews, who is current planning director and in-house counsel, will continue to serve as acting executive director until that time.
Pivarnik has a long history with the port, having worked for the Port of Port Townsend from 2001 to 2016. He was most recently deputy director, serving with former executive director Larry Crockett.
He is currently the executive director of the Port of Kingston. He said he gave notice today.
“Some of the most important factors the commissioners and staff need right now in an interim director is someone whose abilities and skills are already known, someone who has already established relationships with staff and in the community, and someone who knows the port from the inside out,” commission President Steve Tucker said. “…this will bring a sense of stability and ability to move forward with the work that needs to be done.”
Pivarnik said he is excited to be “coming home to go forward.”
“I realized after 2 1/2 years in Kingston that this is what I want to do. I’m here for a year, more or less, it’s all about community for me. Given the opportunity to come back and help my community fill a void is really cool for me.”
Pivarnik received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and was a commercial Realtor in Oregon until he relocated to Port Townsend in 2001. He is currently treasurer for the Washington Public Ports Association and the vice commodore for the Port Townsend Yacht Club.
He and his wife, Christina, live in Port Townsend.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
