Port executive director on leave is officially out

OLYMPIA — The longtime executive director of the Port of Olympia who was placed on administrative leave is officially out.

The Olympian reported the port commission unanimously approved an agreement with Ed Galligan that had him resign Thursday.

Under the agreement, Commission President E.J. Zita said, Galligan will be available to serve as a consultant as necessary.

When Galligan was placed on leave in April, commissioners said they wanted a change in leadership. Commissioner Joe Downing told The Olympian it wasn’t because of some error by Galligan.

Galligan’s time at the port since late 2005 was marked by building projects on the Port Peninsula but also controversy over the shipment of fracking sand and military cargo.

The port’s airport director, Rudy Rudolph, will continue to oversee the port while a search is done for a new director.