WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A shakeup at the county level triggers another nationwide search.

Whatcom County’s Planning and Development Services Director announced his retirement after 13 years of service in the county.

Mark Personius said he would be stepping down from his position as director next spring, after the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update has been completed.

Whatcom County plans to hire a replacement by the end of this year and already posted the job listing.

Personius said in an email to his staff announcing his retirement that the excitement of tackling the challenges he faced as director was what got him up every morning during his time on staff.

Whoever steps into Personius’s shoes would need to oversee long-term planning in the county and land use permitting among other roles.

A previous nationwide search ended last week when Erika Lautenbach’s replacement Champ Thomaskutty was hired to head Whatcom County Health and Community Services.