Port of Grays Harbor Commissioner Chuck Caldwell has announced that he will resign effective July 31. Caldwell has 16 years on the commission and serves District 1, the eastern portion of the county.

“It is after long and careful consideration, I announce my resignation,” Caldwell said in making his announcement at Tuesday’s Port Commission meeting. “While it has been an absolute honor to serve the citizens of Grays Harbor County over the past 16 years and I am incredibly proud of the business diversification and growth at the Port during this time, it is now time for me to focus my energy on other important areas of my life.”

Caldwell joined the commission in 2002. He was involved in the transfer of privately owned recreational properties, Friends Landing and Sterling Landing, to the Port of Grays Harbor in 2014 and a was strong supporter of enhancements to the Westport Marina boat launch and 28th Street Landing and boat launch.

“Commissioner Caldwell’s leadership has been instrumental to the growth we have experienced throughout the Port’s facilities over the past 16 years,” shared Port Executive Director Gary Nelson.

The two remaining Port Commissioners will appoint a new commissioner from District 1 within 90 days of the resignation. The Port is in the process of developing procedures and a schedule to fill the vacant position but expects to begin accepting applications in the coming weeks.

Once appointed, the new commissioner will serve the remainder of Commissioner Caldwell’s term which will be up for re-election in November 2019.