Morro Bay, Calif. – Harbor Director Eric Endersby announced his retirement with the City of Morro Bay effective December 23, 2022.  The City will conduct a full recruitment for his successor, while maintaining continuity of leadership of the Harbor Department under Director Endersby’s stewardship throughout the recruitment process. 

Director Endersby has served the City for nearly 30 years, beginning as a Reserve Harbor Patrol Officer in 1993.  He served in a variety of increasingly responsible roles in the Harbor Department, ultimately promoting to Harbor Director in 2012.  As Harbor Director, he successfully led the department through a variety of transitions, updated the Embarcadero lease management policies, and helped guide the on-going efforts to modernize the waterfront and the Harbor Patrol vessel fleet. Prior to coming to Morro Bay, Eric worked as an aircraft maintenance supervisor for American Eagle Airlines at the San Luis Obispo airport.   

“Eric is an exemplary public servant, and we greatly appreciate all he has done to transform the Harbor over his 30 years with the City,” said City Manager Scott Collins.   “He demonstrated a rare combination of skills and backgrounds in his role – boating, public safety, diplomacy, and a business acumen – in leading the Department.  We will miss Eric’s leadership, kindness and good humor which helped the Department, the Executive team and community navigate through the challenges of the pandemic.  We are excited for him as he prepares for the next stage of his career.”  

In announcing his retirement, Director Endersby offered some heartfelt thoughts on his tenure with the City and the dedication of his team:

“Winston Churchill once said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ When I started with the City as a Reserve Harbor Patrol Officer, I never dreamed it would lead to a 30-year career of public service. While that career has defined my life, it is time to move on to the next chapter. I am deeply honored to have served this community alongside my City brothers and sisters those three decades, and am infinitely proud of the work my Harbor Department team accomplish on a daily basis. Their skill, passion, determination and loyalty are unsurpassed. Thank you all, and thank you Morro Bay.”

The City initiated the Harbor Director recruitment this week.  The City will engage outside support to facilitate the recruitment process and include the community, harbor professionals, waterfront businesses, and the Harbor Department staff in the process to ensure a good fit in the next Director.