Island County has recently welcomed a new public works director, saying goodbye to Connie Bowers, who is retiring.

Esco Bell has replaced Bowers, who took the role in December 2021 and was celebrated Monday with a goodbye party. Bowers said she will spend some time in Hawaii where she will enjoy her retirement.

Bell grew up in Billings, Montana, but has 23 years of experience working as a public works director for various Washington governments — Pacific County, the City of Mount Vernon and the City of Marysville. He also worked as a city engineer for the City of St. Helens, Oregon, for 10 years.

Bell, who lives in Mount Vernon, started the job three weeks ago and said he is excited to serve the county. Currently, he is familiarizing himself with the department and trying to learn what issues need to be tackled.

“I see a good, healthy organization,” he said. “I’m pleased with what I’ve seen so far.”

Though he did not have any particular concerns to share, he said he will focus on keeping internal communication and strategic thinking efficient and addressing rising sea levels.

Bowers said addressing issues within the county’s permitting process might be a challenge for the new hire. Bell said he will focus on improving the permitting process, something the county is currently working on by training staff and holding meetings, he said.

Bell, who has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in public administration, praised the county for having one of the best rated road pavement conditions in the state, and said he wants to maintain that level of excellence.

This week, the commissioners named Ed Sewester as county engineer, a role that Bowers had in addition to being director.