PORT NEWS

PORT NEWS Sara Young starts as Port of Skagit Executive Director

Sara 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.

Port of Redwood City elects Port Commission officers

At the August 11 Port of Redwood City’s Board of Port Commissioners meeting, the Board voted to elect three incumbent commissioners to officer positions. Commissioners Richard Claire, R. Simms Duncan, and Richard Dodge will assume leadership roles at the Port, making key decisions on priorities, strategies, budgets and operations, along with board members Ralph Garcia and outgoing chairperson, Lorianna Kastrop. The Port of Redwood City would like to thank Commissioner Kastrop for her leadership and adaptability during the pandemic.

Richard Claire, appointed as the new chairperson, will continue his tenure on the Port Commission dating back to 2007. He holds deep roots in leadership roles for the Redwood City community. Before joining the Port Commission, he served 21 years on the Redwood City Council, including four as mayor.

R. Simms Duncan is serving his second term as the vice chair on the Port Commission. He brings over 20 years of post-MBA business experience to his leadership position. Duncan is also president of the Board of CityTrees — a Redwood City-based non-profit.

Richard Dodge joins the leadership duo as secretary on the Port Commission. His Port leadership began in 1980 and has been reappointed eight times since. As a past president and current regional coordinator of the Association of Pacific Ports, Dodge contributes a breadth of maritime knowledge while serving the Port community.

“I am pleased to step into the leadership role alongside Commissioners Duncan and Dodge and am grateful to Commissioner Kastrop’s leadership this past year,” said Claire. “The Board of Port Commissions strives to support our maritime community and continuing the work of our predecessors.”

Richard Claire, R. Simms Duncan and Richard Dodge

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ASSOCIATION OF PACIFIC PORTS

APP Annual Conference in San Diego October 24 to 27, 2021 | InterContinental San Diego Hotel

Reconnecting and Building Anew

Whether reconnecting with old friends and colleagues, or building new relationships, the APP Conference provides the perfect opportunity. Our program offers many opportunities to network, share experiences and best practices, and learn about the current issues and trends for ports today.

For more information contact Jane McIvor: jane@pacificports.org | 604-893-8800

We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Visit www.pacificportsconference.com for more details and updates

APP Conference highlights

Finally! The APP Conference is almost here and we’re very excited about the program developed — lots of networking opportunities, a strong agenda, and the chance to experience San Diego — one of the most vibrant waterfronts on the North American West Coast. While we can’t detail all of the sessions in this short page, here are some highlights that are sure to entice you into joining us.

Fascinating speakers

Read our interview with Don Krusel (page 16) and you’ll understand why Krusel’s presentation is sure to hold the most take-aways for Port Commissioners and Senior Executives. Krusel’s advice on how to build an effective strategic plan is based on the well-documented success he’s achieved during his career which includes leading the Port of Prince Rupert back from the brink of bankruptcy to become the fastest growing port in North America.

As Capital Programs Executive for the Port of Long Beach, Duane Kenagy was a key player in the infrastructure planning and execution that brought the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge to fruition.

The Conference also features a strong contingency of government representatives, including Gus Hein, Gateway Director, Mid-Pacific Region for the U.S. Maritime Administration who, in addition to providing an update on MARAD activities for all relevant regions, is leading a Town Hall-style session — Looking to the Future — that will include an open discussion about the priority goals for building America’s economy and infrastructure back better.

NOAA representatives Kate Quigley and Lauren Knapp are following up from their very successful APP webinar this past spring with Economic Valuation and Guidance for Ports and Port Projects; and Theresa Stevens with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joins Sarah Pautzke (Lynker) and Zach Hughes (Salus Resources) to assist ports in navigating their way through environmental permitting processes.

And Fleet Admiral Sponsor PortLink representatives Kris English and Evgeny Vdovin join with Yoss Leclerc (International Harbour Masters Association) to discuss “The Fifth Revolution for the Marine Industry.”

Networking

One of the main goals of the APP Conference has always been to provide oppotunities to network and build relationships and this year’s Conference is no exception. In addition to the Welcome Reception, the Gala Dinner and the much anticipated boat tour of the San Diego Port Harbor, we’ve planned for a special Business-to-Port Speed Dating session that will help attendees develop new relationships within the port community.

If you haven’t yet registered, time is running out! Visit PacificPortsConference.com for many more details!

Thanks to all of our sponsors!