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After 15 years with the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), including more than 13 as its executive director, Matthew Marshall has submitted his notice of resignation and plans to leave the organization at the end of the month.

Reached by phone, Marshall said that while recently helping to care for a sick relative out of town, he had time to reflect and decided that it’s time to move on to a position that’s “a little less all-consuming.”

“Things are pretty stable [at RCEA], humming along right now, so it seemed like a good time to let someone else take reins,” he said.

RCEA is a local government joint powers authority whose mission is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives. It’s members include all seven of the county’s incorporated cities (Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Ferndale, Rio Dell, Trinidad and Blue Lake), plus Humboldt County itself, the Yurok Tribe, the Blue Lake Rancheria and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District.

It also serves as our region’s community choice aggregator, providing local residents and businesses with electricity that’s higher in renewables than PG&E’s, with an option to purchase power that’s 100 percent renewable and carbon free.

Marshall said he’s not sure what he’ll do next, though he plans to take some time off to help his wife Stacie, who operates a private event venue at the Moonstone Beach House. The couple purchased that property, which includes the restaurant up the hill (currently Moonstone Grill), from the Merryman family about a year and a half ago. He said his title in that realm is “guy who puts heavy stuff in the truck.”

RCEA’s board of directors will kick off the process of finding Marshall’s replacement at its next meeting, scheduled for March 28.

While his position has often proved time-consuming, Marshall said he’s not particularly worried about RCEA operating in his absence.

“I feel like my job is to smile and wave and get out of the way of the team,” he said. “The board sets policy [and] the staff is outstanding. They make me look good. I’m usually the least smart person in the room.”

Continuing with the humility, Marshall said he expects the next executive director will bring new energy to the role. With offshore wind development on the horizon, RCEA is poised to take an even more active role in local energy.

“It’s been a pleasure and an honor serving community,” Marshall said. “I’d like to think we’ve done a lot of good. I’m excited that we’ve been able to, I think, benefit the community and make local progress on climate change. And I’m excited to watch as the organization continues to grow.”