PORT NEWS
Sara Young starts as Port of Skagit Executive Director
S
ara Young is the new Executive Director at the Port of Skagit, having officially taken over the leadership role on September 1. Patsy Martin, long-time Executive Director of the Port, has now retired but will stay on through September in an advisory role to the Port Commission and her successor. Sara Young has been with the Port of Skagit for 14 years, serving in a variety of roles including Planning & Environmental Manager, Airport Manager, and Director of Planning and Facilities. Sara holds a Master’s degree in Soil Science from the University of Idaho, and earned her MBA from Washington State University. Her experience and education will certainly help her lead the diverse work of the Port of Skagit, which includes the operations and advancement of Skagit Regional Airport, Bayview Business Park, La Conner Marina, the SWIFT Center, Watershed Business Park, the Port’s property in Conway, as well as opportunities in rural broadband and value-added agriculture.
Sara Young, new Executive Director for the Port of Skagit. “I’m very excited to take on this new role, and see where the Port will go next,” said Young. “We have an excellent team in place, and the Port of Skagit is well positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.” Growing up in Marblemount, and then working in environmental and conservation fields early in her career has given Sara a deep appreciation for the landscape of the Skagit valley and its future. Her 14 years of experience with economic development, and specifically her work in rural broadband on the local and state levels, has equipped her with both the understanding and motivation to bring even more opportunities to Skagit County businesses and residents. “One of the hallmarks of a successful public entity is that it develops future leaders from our local people already within the organization,” Port Commissioner Kevin Ware explained. “We grow our own here, and we are fortunate to have a very capable professional like Sara Young on staff who is highly experienced, can advance into this position, and lead in the same direction established by Patsy Martin. The result of all that will be a very seamless transition of leadership.” Sara’s new role as the Port’s Executive Director has been part of the succession plan for the past two years, to provide a smooth and effective transition in leadership with Patsy Martin’s retirement. The Port of Skagit works to bring economic development opportunities to the community and takes great pride in its promise to provide excellence in public service and leadership within a business landscape that inspires success and enhances the quality of life in Skagit County.
8 — PACIFIC PORTS — September 2021
