The Port of Pasco’s new executive director will only need to drive a few miles south from his current office when he starts his new role. 

The port’s commissioners approved the hire of Adam Lincoln at a special meeting on Jan. 17.  

Lincoln, who has worked in Pasco’s administration since 2020, took the city manager role less than a year ago. Per his contract, his resignation was to be effective in March. But shortly after the announcement, the Pasco City Council voted to terminate Lincoln's contract early, making his last day Jan. 31. 

“This decision was not made lightly or without a great deal of consultation with my family,” Lincoln said in a joint release from the city and port. “I have been honored to serve the employees, the city council, and the residents. It is my firm belief that things have moved in a positive direction since joining and I have full faith and confidence that this trend will continue going forward.” 

The port’s current longtime executive director, Randy Hayden, retires at the end of March. He told the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business that the plan was for Lincoln to join the port in mid-March to provide time for information about projects to be passed along. Following the city's early dismissal of Lincoln, Hayden said the port may have him start at the beginning of March.

Lincoln’s hire marks the second major leadership change at the port in as many months. Long-serving Commissioner Jim Klindworth cut his term short to retire at the end of December. Remaining port commissioners Jean Ryckman and Vicki Gordon recently nominated Mesa farmer Hans Engleke to fill the District 3 seat until an election for the remainder of term can be held in November.