As Humboldt Area Foundation launches its search of a new executive director, it highlights that there is actually quite a bit of transition at the top occurring here in Humboldt County.  Just take a look at some of the changes at many of the governmental and non-profit agencies across the county. 

OrganizationPositionPerson Vacating PositionNew Hire
Humboldt Area Foundation Executive Director Peter Pennekamp Vacant
St Joseph’s Hospital Chief Executive Joe Mark Vacant
Humboldt Waste Management Authority Executive Director Jim Test Patrick Owen (interim)
Redwood Regional Economic Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Foster Don Ehnebuske
Humboldt Bay Harbor District Chief Executive Dave Hull Jack Crider
Humboldt Transit Authority Executive Director Neleen Fregoso Greg Pratt
College of the Redwoods President Jeff Marsee / Utpal K. Goswami Kathryn Lehner
City of Fortuna City Manager Duane Rigge Regan Candelario
City of Eureka City Manager Dave Tyson Search Underway
Area 1 Agency Aging Executive Director Cindy Denbo Maggie Kraft
Humboldt County Community Development Services Director Kirk Girard Martha Spencer (interim planning director)
Humboldt Baykeeper Executive Director Beth Werner Vacant

Combine all this with two new county supervisors — come January, only Mark Lovelace will have served for more than two years — and it is probably fair to say that there’s a new era in Humboldt County.