PORT TOWNSEND — Ask Philip Morley what he is most proud of in his 30-year career and he has no hesitation.
“I would say that one of the things I’m most proud about is being a consensus-builder and a person who likes to build bridges and partnerships,” said the 54-year-old career government executive.
While at Snohomish County, he worked in “team building in the organization and with different departments and elected officials.”
Morley is negotiating with interim Jefferson County Administrator Dennis Richards for the county’s permanent county administrator position, which has been open for seven months.
“I’m excited to join the community and to work with the county commissioners, other county elected officials, and a great team of department directors and staff,” Morley said.
“Jefferson County is working on a wide variety of issues and service needs, but with today’s economy it has limited resources to address them.
“Yet with vibrant towns and communities, tourism, the maritime industry, and agriculture, the opportunity for the future is bright.”
Morley said that the timing of his hiring and coming to Jefferson County, if a contract is worked out, would be up to the three county commissioners.
County Commissioner David Sullivan said there was no deadline set to hire Morley, but that if a deal were struck this week, the commissioners might consider approval during their Monday meeting or later next week.
“It’s one of those things that you do as soon as you can do it,” Sullivan said.
