State ferries CFO resigns; ferry system to be reorganized

One of the top managers of Washington State Ferries has resigned.

Sam Kuntz, director of finance and administration, said he is leaving his job after five years.

Recently he has been focused on launching a new electronic fare system for ferries. He said he is leaving the job March 1 to pursue other vocational interests and spend more time with his family.

"We are committed to bringing the ferries division more into alignment with [Department of Transportation] business practices," said Paula Hammond, head of the state DOT, hinting there may be more changes coming. "That includes an evaluation and reorganization of ferries management and organizational structures."

The ferry system is mired in financial troubles, and Hammond said the ferry finance plan is $500 million in the hole. It needs to replace old boats and figure out a fare structure that ferry riders will accept.

Kuntz is the second top official to leave the ferry system in the past two months. In December, director Mike Anderson retired.