Port of Pasco Executive Director Randy Hayden has announced plans to retire next year.

Hayden told port commissioners that he will retire in March 2025 during an April 10 meeting.

Hayden

Hayden, 59, has been at the port for 24 years and has served as its executive director for the past 10 years.

He said he wanted to give commissioners ample time to search for a successor. Port commissioners are expected to decide on a process for his replacement at upcoming meetings.

The announcement was bittersweet for Hayden, who said that it was hard to consider leaving a job he loves, but he knows that the port is in excellent hands. 

“From the commissioners to every level of staff, to our tenants and community partners, the port is on solid ground for continued success,” he said in a statement.

Port Commission President Jean Ryckman said Hayden has done an incredible job for the port and for the community. 

“He will be leaving the Port of Pasco in an even better position than when he took it over, healthy and thriving. We will miss not only his abilities as an executive director, but his interactions with all of us on a personal level. We congratulate him on his well-earned retirement,” she said in a statement.