2nd update: Port of Port Angeles executive director resigns, will get newly created job with same agency

Published 11:52 am Monday, June 24, 2013

PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles Executive Director Jeff Robb, citing “serious health issues,” said today he is resigning.

He was immediately hired by port commissioners this morning to fill a newly created position of port director of environmental affairs starting July 31. The new job is effective today.

By a 2-1 vote, with commission president Jim Hallett dissenting, commissioners gave Robb a one-year contract that expires July 31, 2014, and agreed to pay him $138,000 — the exact salary he received as executive director.

Robb, 59, of Sequim, also will be able to work outside of port facilities to fulfill his new duties.

“I have had a number of serious health issues for a number of months that have not improved with time,” Robb said in a prepared statement to a commissioners’ meeting room packed with onlookers.

Robb began working at the port in 1984 as a project engineer and public works manager. He also is the former airport and marinas manager.

“The port has been my family for the majority of my professional career, and I have given it my best, each day, each year and each decade,” Robb said.

Hallett questioned why the port would pay Robb the same salary for having fewer responsibilities than as executive director.

“We should post this position,” Hallett said. “We need to be seeking the best-qualified candidate.”

John Calhoun and Paul McHugh voted in favor of the new contract.

“I am in favor of the motion,” Calhoun said, adding he had “nothing else” to say.

McHugh thanked Robb for “his many years of service.”

McHugh added he looks forward to working with Robb in “his new and critical role.”

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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5060, or at paul.gottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.