Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Chris Jerome has resigned from his seat on the board.
Jerome informed his fellow commissioners of his resignation via webcam during the monthly meeting of the port on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The decision follows his acceptance of a new position with Wake Forest Innovations at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. The position incorporates his skills as a medical research consultant. His first day on the job was Jan. 9.
His decision to accept the position has regrettably, but happily resulted in him moving to North Carolina, he said.
“Which unfortunately means I need to resign from the commission,” he said.
“At this point in time I can no longer continue to serve the citizens of Langley.”
Jerome was elected to represent District 2 for the Port of South Whidbey in 2010.
The port has 90 days from the resignation to appoint a commissioner to fill Jerome’s position through the next regular port election in Nov. 2015.
The port will begin seeking representation for the Langley area, District 2, this week. Submissions including a letter of interest and statement of qualifications will be accepted by mail to Port of South Whidbey, PO Box 872, Freeland WA 98249, by email to molly@portofsouthwhidbey.com or by fax to 360-331-5414. Materials can also be accepted in person at the port office located at 1804 Scott Road, Ste. 101 in Freeland. Submissions will be accepted through 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7.
District 2 covers west to East Harbor Road, south to Highway 525 including parts of Craw Road and north of Surface Road.
Commissioner Curt Gordon acknowledged the resignation with a “heavy heart.”
“I’m happy for you and I think it’s a great opportunity,” Gordon said.
Gordon described joining the commission the same year as Jerome; both were charged up for their new positions, he said.
“You did a great job,” he said. “It was nice to have a very level-headed, clear-minded fellow commissioner to serve with.”
Commissioner Dennis Gregoire echoed that sentiment, saying Jerome brought a “mellow” viewpoint, in contrast to the other two commissioners, which he will miss.
