Chris Pettit will separate from the agency immediately as the search for a new director begins
The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) announces that Chris Pettit has been asked to leave his position as the SCC executive director effective immediately.
After an internal review of the agency's operations and management, it was determined that Pettit was not meeting the expectations of the position. He has been terminated by the conservation commissioners by a vote taken at the March 16 commission meeting.
The commission appreciates Pettit’s service to SCC and the citizens of Washington state. Pettit was initially appointed director in March 2022.
The search for a new executive director will begin immediately, and SCC is committed to finding a qualified candidate to lead the agency forward. Until then, the commissioners will reconvene soon to choose an interim director well-equipped to lead the agency during this transition period.
Ron Shultz will serve as the temporary interim director of the commission.