11 Aug Commissioner Ken Hohenberg Announces Retirement From Port of Kennewick Board of Commissioners
KENNEWICK, Wash. – Port of Kennewick Commissioner Ken Hohenberg is retiring from the port’s Board of Commissioners effective Sept. 1, 2026, to spend time with family. His retirement was announced today at the commission’s regular board meeting.
Voters in Port of Kennewick district 1, which includes parts of Kennewick and Richland, elected Commissioner Hohenberg to the port commission with his six-year term beginning in 2022.
Port Commissioners Skip Novakovich and Raul Contreras Gonzalez will appoint a replacement from district 1 to fill the remainder of Commissioner Hohenberg’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2027. More details on the application process and submission deadline will be announced in the coming weeks.
Commissioner Hohenberg recently shared: “After nearly 50 years of community service, I’ve decided to retire to spend more time with my family. It has been a privilege to serve as a Port of Kennewick commissioner, representing tens of thousands of you who live in my district. I am proud to pass the torch to a new commissioner knowing all that has been accomplished. We have a great team, doing great things to benefit the region.”
Prior to serving as a port commissioner, Hohenberg received Port of Kennewick’s 2011 “Friend of the Port” award in recognition of his role in transforming Clover Island and as a champion for the urban renewal of downtown Kennewick.
“In my time as a Port of Kennewick commissioner, I’ve had the honor of serving alongside several fellow commissioners,” said Commissioner Novakovich. “Ken is one of the best and selflessly represented the community.”
Hohenberg retired from Kennewick Police Department in 2022 after a distinguished career, including serving as police chief and deputy city manager.
“I’ve only had the privilege of serving with Ken on the port commission since the start of the year, but it’s evident that he is the type of leader every elected official should aspire to be,” said Commissioner Contreras Gonzalez.
In speaking about Commissioner Hohenberg, Port CEO Tim Arntzen shared, “Having Commissioner Hohenberg as one of my three bosses has been an honor. Over the years, he provided sound guidance and direction to me and the team. Ken is a true statesman and will be missed. On behalf of the entire port team, we wish Ken and his wife, Trish, all the best in retirement.”
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Port of Kennewick is an economic development entity focused on developing assets to create sustainable family-wage jobs, build infrastructure and user-friendly transportation systems and enhance the quality of life within the port district.