Pasco’s city manager is resigning to take over for another Tri-Cities leader

Pasco City Manager Adam Lincoln will resign to take on a leadership role at the Port of Pasco, taking over for longtime Port of Pasco Executive Director Randy Hayden who is retiring.

He will start as the port’s next Executive Director in March, a joint news release announced Friday.

Hayden has been with the port for nearly 25 years, serving as Executive Director for the last ten.

“This decision was not made lightly or without a great deal of consultation with my family,” Lincoln said. “I have been honored to serve the employees, the city council and the residents. It is my firm belief that things have moved in a positive direction since joining and I have full faith and confidence that this trend will continue going forward.”

ADVERTISEMENT

He told the Tri-City Herald that it’s an “exciting opportunity” to support Pasco’s economic development.

Lincoln joined the City of Pasco in 2020 as Deputy City Manager and was appointed City Manager in April 2023.

Recently, he helped Pasco City Council navigate the 2025-26 biennial budget process. The city faces a $10 million budget shortfall which it will balance by spending reserves.

“We’re thrilled to have a proven public leader of Lincoln’s experience step into the role of Executive Director at the Port,” Port of Pasco Commission President Jean Ryckman said. “Lincoln was chosen from a field of highly qualified candidates after an extensive search process. We believe he brings the right fit of executive experience, entrepreneurial spirit and community collaboration that will serve the Port district well.”

The Pasco City Council will decide the best course of action regarding the city manager position in the coming weeks.