Post date: Apr 30, 2025
PASCO – Port of Pasco’s District No. 2 Commissioner Jean Ryckman has announced her retirement, effective at the conclusion of her current term on December 31, 2025.
Commissioner Ryckman has been a key member of the port’s leadership for almost 13 years. During that time, the Port has experienced unprecedented growth in terms of industrial development, increased tenant occupancy rates, and record increases in passenger traffic at the Tri-Cities Airport-PSC.
“I am fortunate and grateful to have served in the role of Commissioner for the Port of Pasco,” Ryckman said. “The Commissioners and staff have worked side by side to bring many new opportunities and living wage jobs to Franklin County. As a result, residents enjoy a finer quality of life and lower taxes.
Major milestones during Ryckman’s tenure include the 2014 airport terminal expansion, acquisition of 300 acres for the Reimann industrial Center in 2019, the Darigold groundbreaking in 2022 and approval of a second terminal expansion in 2025.
“I love having the opportunity to be a small part of the Port’s accomplishments and I will miss it after my retirement becomes official at the end of this year,” she said. “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Port’s exciting and important work. But it is the right time for me to step down. And, it is time for a new person to bring new ideas and fresh energy to the Commission.”
Ryckman’s early retirement announcement comes in time for residents in the Port’s Commissioner District No. 2 to take advantage of the May 5-9 Candidate Filing Period. For information, visit the Washington Secretary of State’s website at: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections.
“Jean has been an incredible asset to the staff, commission, and public,” said Executive Director Adam Lincoln. “Her experience in public utilities and knowledge of engineering have proven quite useful on a daily basis. We are grateful for her service and wish her the best in her next ventures.”
With eight months left in her term of office, Ryckman already has plans for her well-deserved retirement. “I look forward to spending more time with grandchildren, traveling, and reading the stacks of books next to my chair,” she said.
About the Port of Pasco
The Port of Pasco is a local municipal corporation established by the voters of Franklin County in 1940. The Port works to promote economic development in the county by creating opportunities for investment and growth. Along with operating multiple commercial parks and the Tri-Cities Airport, the Port offers industrial land for sale for growing companies. The Reimann Industrial Center and the Airport Business Center are the newest opportunities available for industry.