Economic Development director takes job with Port of Pasco

RITZVILLE – Adams County Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden worked his last day for Adams County Friday, Oct. 30, and was scheduled to report for training with the Port of Pasco Monday, Nov. 2.

McFadden served as the county's first economic development director, in a position the county commissioners created six and a half years ago.

County Commissioner John Marshall said when the county economic analyst, who reported to Public Works, left his job, Marshall wanted to see the position have it's own department, and report directly to the commissioners. He approached McFadden about the job.

"When Stephen came in, it was under a competitive interview process, and he was the guy we wanted to hire," Marshall said. "We have had about $800,000,000 worth of construction either completed or permitted during the last four years. There hasn't been that much growth in Adams County since the 1960's, when they opened up the panhandle for irrigation."

"They gave me the opportunity to develop a brand new department inside the county, and to start pursuing growth projects," McFadden said. "I am extremely appreciative of their support and their faith in what we have been building."

McFadden said one accomplishment he was most proud of involved working jointly with the Adams County Development Council to showcase local career opportunities.

"We were able to bring local employers into the schools, and demonstrate for middle school and high school students the great career opportunities available in their hometowns," McFadden said.

Adams County Development Council is a non-profit organization managed by Janice Rountree, housed in the Adams County Services Building in Othello.

McFadden said "major wins" that created jobs in the county over the past several years include the McCain Foods expansion in Othello; the Adams-Nielson Solar Farm at Lind; the Rattlesnake Flat Wind Farm near Ralston; the expansion of SVZ USA in Othello, a fruits and vegetable processing company; and the expansion of Lineage Logistics, a cold storage facility in Othello.

McFadden also authored several funding applications to the state legislature that were all approved, including an emergency roof replacement for the Washtucna Heritage Museum, an emergency floor replacement for Adams County Historical Society in Lind, and a $350,000 state project for the Ritzville Public Development Authority to renovate the upstairs of the building which houses Columbia Bank.

"The second story has eight office spaces that have been vacant for 50 years, and Senator Mark Schoesler was able to sustain state funding," McFadden said. "We're working on getting the design concept done in the next couple of months, then it will go out to bid."

McFadden said he will be working for the Port of Pasco remotely for the time being, based on COVID-19 restrictions, and his new employers agreed to allow him to provide a limited amount of unpaid technical assistance to the county on existing projects.

"I really believe in the work we've been doing in Adams County to grow the economy, and I wanted to help them as much as I could during the transition phase," McFadden said. "We continue to try to recruit new businesses to the county, and we conducted some site visits to Othello in the last 30 days. Additionally, we are working with a landowner and developer on a project in Ritzville. Those discussions are ongoing, and because the Port of Pasco is supportive of me continuing to lend a hand in these projects, I'll be able to do some of that work on my own time evenings and weekends."

McFadden will be the Director of Economic Development and Marketing for the Port of Pasco, taking the place of Gary Ballew, who took a position as the Vice President for Economic Development for Greater Spokane Incorporated. McFadden worked closely with Ballew to lead the Eastern Washington Economic Alliance, which was founded to raise awareness of the greater Eastern Washington region as a premier location for business and industry.

"The Port of Pasco is fortunate to welcome an individual of Stephen's caliber to the area," Randy Hayden, the Port Executive Director said. "As a near county-wide Port district, Stephen's proven track record of building partnerships and successful economic development will benefit not only the Port, but the many agencies and businesses located in Franklin County."

Prior to taking the position as county economic development director, McFadden spent 10 years as the publisher and owner of the Ritzville Adams County Journal. Community leadership positions he has served in include Chairman of the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees, the Charter Chairman and incorporating agent of the Adams County Development Council.

"I am excited to join the Port of Pasco team," McFadden said. "The Port's development areas are diverse and evolving, in a region that has seen incredible growth. The Tri-Cities Airport, Osprey Pointe, and the Reimann Industrial Center are all excellent opportunities to attract new employers, private investment and a variety of great new jobs."