Port parts ways with executive director, citing ‘new vision’ for the future
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Port Commission voted 2-1 to part ways with Executive Director Rob Fix.
- Tiffany DeSimone appointed interim director, retaining her maritime role.
- Commissioners cited leadership shift and future strategy in leadership change.
Port of Bellingham officials announced Wednesday that the agency’s executive director, Rob Fix, is leaving his position after 13 years in the role.
“The Port of Bellingham and Executive Director Rob Fix have mutually agreed to part ways effective immediately,” the announcement states. “The Port Commission expressed appreciation for Fix’s contributions to the Port and the community during his 13 years of service as Executive Director.”
The announcement came after the three Port commissioners voted 2-1 to approve a mutual separation agreement with Fix at the June 3 Port Commission meeting. Commissioners Michael Shepard and Ken Bell voted in favor of the separation agreement, while Commissioner Bobby Briscoe voted against it.
Bell expressed his gratitude for Fix’s time with the Port, but said this was an opportunity for the Port to move forward with a “new vision and a different direction.”
“There is no more complicated Port on the planet than the Port of Bellingham. There is no more complex business operation than the Port of Bellingham,” Bell said at the meeting. “We have got a very diverse operation, and we have been through some very tough times, including covid, with the executive director, and he did an amazing job. We have never had a budget that has not met target. We have never had an issue with that and his integrity is beyond reproach.”
Shepard also recognized Fix’s impact while suggesting a shifting of the Port’s future.
“For me, I really want to recognize that we have benefited from years of leadership and service by our executive director. Rob’s just done a fantastic job for many years,” Shepard said. “We also see opportunities for being in the driver’s seat for the next chapters that are awaiting our organization.”
Briscoe, who voted against the separation agreement, also recognized Fix for his hard work over the last many years.
“Rob Fix is one of the main reasons the Port of Bellingham is where it is today and has jumped all the hurdles we had to this point in time,” Briscoe said.
The Port Commission then appointed Tiffany DeSimone, the Port’s current director of Maritime, to serve as interim executive director.
“She will serve as interim director until a permanent executive director is selected or until further direction from this Commission,” Bell said later in the meeting.
DeSimone’s appointment means she will retain her current responsibilities while receiving additional compensation for taking on the interim role. Her salary was temporarily increased to $220,000 annually.
Bell said he hoped the transition would move “quickly” and that DeSimone would assume the responsibilities of the executive director by the following morning, June 4.
DeSimone manages the Bellingham Shipping Terminal and its cargo operations. She also directs operations at Blaine and Squalicum Harbors. DeSimone additionally leads the Port’s internal maritime security programs while coordinating community outreach regarding maritime activities, according to the announcement.
DeSimone is also leading the reactivation of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, “one of the largest capital projects in Port history,” the announcement said.
“The Port has a stable and knowledgeable leadership team in place and a skilled, dedicated staff ready to advance the Commission’s vision and execute its strategic priorities,” DeSimone said in the announcement.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 2:39 PM.
