The former interim director of the Port of South Whidbey will be helping with the other port on the island.

Port of Coupeville commissioners unanimously approved hiring Jan-Marc Jouas as interim director during a regular meeting last week. He will serve as interim director for four months, following the termination of former Executive Director Forrest Rambo.

Jouas served as the interim director for Port of South Whidbey for four months while the agency’s director was on maternity leave. His employment with the agency ended Oct. 14 and commissioners are working with Jouas on an employment contract.

Jouas, who is a retired lieutenant general with the United States Air Force, attended the meeting last week and said he has 35 years of experience in leadership, including with organizations with a thousand people.

He said he and his wife wanted to integrate into the community when they moved to Whidbey Island this year.

“For a long time we were never able to truly become part of the community,” he said. “I am happy to provide services and stability.”

When asked by community members if he would be interested in filling the position permanently, Jouas said he was unsure.

“Frankly, the next several months will help me determine if it’s something I’d want to pursue permanently,” he said.

Commissioner John Mishasek said he was looking for a candidate who understands how the port works, could help stabilize the management position and bring leadership to the agency.

He and Commissioner William Bell discussed five potential candidates during an executive session.

Mishasek said he had previously met with Jouas months ago to learn more about how Port of South Whidbey handles its accounting. It was at that time, he said, that he thought Jouas would be a good addition for Coupeville.

As relations and concerns continued to deteriorate with Rambo, Mishasek considered Jouas as a potential replacement even more, the commissioner said.

Prior to last Wednesday’s meeting, Jouas had corresponded with Mishasek and Bell by email, sharing his availability to serve in the position and what he thought his role with the agency should be.

The current budget accounts for an executive director salary of a little more than $40,000 annually.

Some of Jouas’ objectives include providing stability and leadership, retaining a new accountant and establishing sound bookkeeping practices, aiding in the search for a District 3 commissioner and laying groundwork to update the port’s comprehensive plan.

“I will do this for the same salary I am currently receiving from the Port of South Whidbey, $55 per hour, and will work up to six hours per day,” he wrote in his email. “I anticipate a monthly invoice of approximately $6,000, depending on the number of work days per month and personal time I may require.”

Commissioners discussed a similar contract draft during a special meeting Tuesday. The proposed contract included cell phone stipend, mileage and expense reimbursement.

The board is anticipated to vote on the contract during a special meeting Thursday, Oct. 27 after it has been further reviewed by the port attorney.