The deputy director of the state ferry system quits

SEATTLE — The deputy director of the state ferry system has announced her resignation.

Traci Brewer-Rogstad resigned Monday in a letter to her new boss, David Moseley.

She came to the ferry system in 1997 after managing operations for a small cruise line. In her letter to Moseley, Brewer-Rogstad wrote that she is proud to have helped lead Washington State Ferries “during some of the greatest challenges that WSF has ever faced. It is a good time for me to transfer my watch to others.”

Her last scheduled day is May 30.

Brewer-Rogstad was appointed about two years ago to serve as second-in-command under former ferry chief Mike Anderson. He retired in December, amid turmoil after four 80-year-old Steel Electric-class ferries were pulled from service after a year of leaks, cracks and questions about the safety of their aging hulls.

Anderson announced his retirement shortly after state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond was appointed.

Moseley took over in March as assistant state transportation secretary in charge of the ferry system. He said it was entirely Brewer-Rogstad’s idea to leave her job, and that he respected her “tough, courageous decision.”

A search will be launched within the ferry system for a new deputy director, with preference for somebody with maritime experience, Moseley said. That’s something that Moseley lacks — as was the case for Anderson.

“I’m looking for somebody who can help me manage the system,” Moseley said.

In her resignation letter, Brewer-Rogstad said the ferry system has struggled since 1999 because of reduced funding, the result of voter support for anti-tax initiatives.

She said she wants to spend the summer with her family before starting another job search, possibly again in the maritime industry.

“I’ve been here 11 years and that is a long time,” she said. “At least eight, if not nine of those years has been in this environment of funding crisis.”

Reporter Scott North: 425-339-3431 or north@heraldnet.com.