After four years on a board that oversaw the expansion of the Greenbank Farm and implementation of the comprehensive plan, Bruce Bryson is resigning from his position as commissioner for the Port of Coupeville.

He is scheduled to publicly announce his resignation during the monthly port meeting today, Nov. 14, at 10:30 a.m., at Services Alternatives Building in Coupeville.

Bryson simply cited personal reasons for his resignation and emphasized that decision hadn’t been made in haste.

He said with the improved relationship between the port and the Greenbank Farm Management Group, and other projects now off the ground and running, this seemed to be a good time to resign.

“It just seems that if I have to do it, now is a good time,” Bryson said.

He is proud of his work he’s done on the board since being elected in 2003. In addition to the improved relationship between the port and the management group, he is also proud of the improvements made at the Coupeville Wharf and adoption of the Port of Coupeville’s Comprehensive Plan.

Jim Patton, executive director for the Port of Coupeville, was caught off guard when he learned of Bryson’s decision to resign Monday.

“It came as a complete surprise,” Patton said.

He was complimentary of Bryson’s efforts to improve the relationship with the farm’s management group. There have been some contentious times between the two groups. In 2006 the two sides disagreed about how the management group should account for the money the port pays to manage the property.

“He has been the peacemaker and bridge builder between the port and the Greenbank Farm Management Group,” Patton said.

Even though he is announcing his resignation today, it won’t become effective until Dec. 31. The commissioners are expected to talk about how to fill Bryson’s position during today’s meeting. Ultimately the commissioners will appoint a replacement to Bryson’s spot to serve until next November’s general election.

Bryson’s resignation comes as Benye Weber is being reelected to her spot as port commissioner. As of Friday afternoon, she was leading her opponent, Dennis Parbs. Parbs could not apply for Bryson’s position as commissioner because he doesn’t live in Bryson’s district, which includes Coupeville and the surrounding area, Patton said.