Port of Hood River Executive Director Michael McElwee says he will retire in early July.  McElwee has served in the position since July of 2006.  During his tenure the Hood River waterfront underwent a transformation with construction of several recreational facilities utilizing state and federal grant funding and significant private investment in light industrial and commercial developments.  The Port has also increased efforts to replace the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate bridge, upgraded the Ken Jernstedt Airfield and the Hood River Marina, and purchased the Lower Hanel Mill property, which the Port then converted from a brownfield to shovel-ready development site.  McElwee’s tenure of 16 years equals that of James O’ Banion who served as the Port’s Executive Director between 1980 and 1994, and an additional two years of service that took place after his retirement.  McElwee says he is looking forward to other life pursuits and intends to continue public service activities in Hood River.