Director of Clark County Environmental Services Kevin Gray has resigned his position. His final day of employment with the county will be April 15.
Gray sent an email announcing his resignation to county staff on Friday. He does not give a reason for his resignation in the email, but does say he’s transferred “day-to-day operations to Anita Largent, who will act as interim director.”
Largent is currently listed as the manager of the department’s sustainability and outreach division.
Gray’s position pays $118,092 annually.
Gray said Monday he has an agreement in place with the county restricting him from answering some questions regarding the resignation.
“We’ve come to an agreement and I’m not at liberty to discuss the details,” Gray said. “I have had 15 good years with the county, and it’s time for me to try new things. … I’ve done essentially all I could do at the organization.”
Gray was hired by the county in 1998 as the deputy public works director. Prior to that, he worked as a project manager with the city of Vancouver for five years. He was named head of the county’s Environmental Services Department in 2009.
The department’s goal is to manage the county’s natural resources through programs focusing on water resource protection, recycling, environmental education and noxious weed control. The department also focuses on stormwater issues facing the county.
Gray said he’s proud of the work he and his staff have accomplished in the department. In his email, he lists several successful projects the county has undertaken in his time, adding, “we have a great staff poised for continued success.”
County Administrator Bill Barron said Gray is not on leave, as “he still has assignments,” but he will work mostly from home. Barron called the situation “mutually agreeable,” adding that Gray will return to the office later this week to work out terms of how his employment will continue.
“We need to finalize what equipment and what papers he will need access to (in order to) continue his work,” Barron said.
Barron said there have been no complaints filed by staff or the public regarding Gray, either personally or professionally.
Barron said the future of the position Gray will vacate will be discussed by the county commissioners.
Erik Hidle: 360-735-4547; http://twitter.com/col_clarkgov; erik.hidle@columbian.com.
