Longtime Bainbridge parks executive director Terry Lande is retiring, and Dan Hamlin has been appointed acting executive director.

Hamlin has been the Park Services Division director.

“We’re grateful to Terry Lande for thinking this through and being mindful of the transition process so that there is as little disruption as possible,” Commissioner Dawn Janow said.

A Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District news release says the appointment is part of an operational transition plan as Lande prepares for extended leave and retirement. The plan starts immediately. The period of leave will run through September.

After the period of leave the parks board will have the option of naming Hamlin as permanent executive director or begin the search for a new one. In the latter case, Lande will resume the role of executive director for 90 days during the hiring process.

Hamlin has been with the district since 2005 and has spent 35 years working for parks organizations in Oregon and Washington.

“It’s an honor to serve this community as the acting executive director for the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District. I’ve worked with Terry Lande for 18 years. It will be my goal to continue the work culture and passion for providing quality parks and recreation to Bainbridge Island that Terry has accomplished,” Hamlin said.

Park commissioners approved the appointment Jan. 4. Administrative Division director Amy Swenson has been promoted to assistant executive director. Natural Resources manager Lydia Roush has been promoted to park superintendent. In another parks development, Erin Johnston has been named marketing coordinator.