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, currently the Pasco city manager, 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. His resignation will be effective in March, per his contract. The port’s current longtime executive director, Randy Hayden, retires in March. 

“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.” 

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.