Becka Kelly Named Interim Harbor Director

Patrol chief, replacing Endersby, who got the director’s job upon the retirement of Rick Algert.

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life

City Manager Scott Collins announced Dec. 23, 2022, that he was naming Harbor Patrol Chief Becka Kelly to replace the now-retired former Harbor Director Eric Endersby.

Kelly was hired as a harbor patrol officer in 2006, Collins said. And in 2010, she was named Harbor

“I’m delighted that Becka is taking on this interim assignment as we continue the recruitment process for the next harbor director,” Collins said. “I am confident that Becka Kelly will provide excellent leadership during this transition period.”

Kelly acknowledged that she has some big shoes to fill.

“I am honored to carry the torch during this transition at the Harbor,” she said in a statement.

“Eric has left some big shoes to fill, but with one step at a time we will continue to provide our best service to the waterfront and boating community.”

Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California Santa Cruz. She is an executive committee member for the Morro Bay National Estuary Program; a board member for the Central Coast Women for Fisheries, which advocates for the commercial fishing industry; and a coach for the Morro Bay High School surfing team.

With the announcement, Collins temporarily filled the second department head opening he faces, after naming Morro Bay Police Cmdr. Amy Watkins to fill in for now retired Police Chief Jody Cox. Interim Chief Watkins stepped into the new role effective Dec. 31.

Meanwhile, Collins continues to look for permanent replacements for both Cox and Endersby.

THE FARM STAND