Port of Moses Lake names new director

MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake has selected Dan Roach as its new executive director, port commissioners said at their meeting Monday.

Roach served as a Washington state representative from Bonney Lake for 10 years and as a Pierce County commissioner for eight, according to Interim Executive Director Kim DeTrolio. Most recently, he served as the executive director of the Lake Tapps Association. He is also a licensed real estate agent.

Roach attended the meeting via online video chat, and said he anticipated a lot of work to be done when he takes the reins April 16.

“We’ve got the fire hose ready (for you to drink from),” said Port Commissioner David “Kent” Jones.

Roach developed an appreciation for the Moses Lake area more than 10 years ago, when he worked with then-Reps. Janea Holmquist Newbry and Mike Armstrong on a rail project for the port.

“When I learned all about the Port of Moses Lake and the opportunities and the cheaper energy, the location on I-90. I just thought it had amazing potential,” Roach said. “So from that point, I just kind of followed Moses Lake for a long time.”

Rail is still a priority, Roach said.

“A lot of these projects are pretty time-consuming,” he said. “A lot of the funding was received way back in '15 or '16, but you’ve got environmental impact statements and right-of-way and everything else. So it's a long-term project, but we're moving on that one. I'm excited about that.”

Roach said he was surprised to see how much of the port’s capacity filled up relatively recently, and he expects to put in a lot of work on infrastructure to accommodate the growth.

He’s been keeping a toehold in the area in the meantime, he said.

“My wife and I bought some recreational property out there almost 20 years ago, so we've been coming in and playing during the summers,” he said.

Roach has been married for 25 years to Melanie Roach, who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in weightlifting. The Roaches have five children, of whom two are still in school. Those two will stay on the west side until the school year is done, Roach said.

“I'm excited about being a part of Moses Lake in the community,” he said. “One of my first things to do is start meeting people and get acclimated and make those relationships. And I'm looking forward to it.”

Joel Martin may be reached via email at jmartin@columbiabasinherald.com.

    Dan Roach will take over as executive director of the port of Moses Lake on April 16.