Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson to Retire in 2022
Posted July 14, 2021 at 5:00 am by Hayley Day
Friday Harbor Town Administrator Duncan Wilson. Contributed.
By Hayley Day, San Juan Island Update
After nearly a decade at the helm, town of Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson is hanging up his hat. Wilson retires Jan. 4, 2022.
Current San Juan County Manager Mike Thomas takes over Dec. 13, so Wilson can train his successor and “smooth the transition,” he said.
“Mike has a great working knowledge of not only the county but of town operations as well and I know he will do a great job,” Wilson said.
‘Best Municipal Job in the State’
The Seattle native started his career as a lawyer for nearly two decades in South King County. Later, he joined the city of North Bend, Washington as the administrator. When he saw an opening for a similar position in Friday Harbor, he jumped at the chance.
“It was a great decision for our family,” he said. “I think this is the best municipal job in the state.”
Working in paradise included juggling creating new island infrastructure and maintaining the area’s longtime charm. Wilson referred to the balance as “walking the razor blade” with those who “are not big fans of change.”
“This island has a unique and special culture and everyone wants it preserved,” he said.
Over the years, Wilson was able to direct the installation of a new 5-mile water supply line from Trout Lake to town, rebuild Tucker Avenue with sidewalks and bike lanes, and improve Blair Avenue, Web Street and Mullis Street.
Retirement
In retirement, Wilson looks forward to traveling with his wife, who he said retired four years ago and “has patiently waited for me” to join.
Wilson said he will miss working with the town staff, councilmembers and mayors, but he’ll still be around. He will likely do some local consulting work, he said, and continue to help island nonprofits like the San Juan Community Theatre.
“I will still be seen around town,” he said. “This is my home now.”
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