With the Port of Coupeville’s executive director contract set to expire at the end of the year, it is unclear what may happen to the agency’s lead paid position.

Executive Director David Day said it is customary that when a port contract expires, the agency advertise the position.

Day, who took over the position in December 2014, only held a one-year contract with the port.

“Former executive director Jim Patton always advertised the position at the end of a contract cycle,” Day wrote in an email to commissioners. “As the current executive director, I would also recommend that the board search for the best candidate for the position upon the expiration of any contract.”

The board agreed.

“It’s critical to get it out there,” said Commissioner Mike Diamanti.

He suggested advertising the position widely, including off island in the Seattle area.

Day countered that anyone who holds the position would be on call 24/7 if something happened, emphasizing the importance of having someone local.

The position is currently being advertised in a variety of places including on the port website, through WorkSource, Island County EDC and the island’s newspapers.

When asked if he would be reapplying for his position, Day said that wasn’t something he would comment on.