Friday, January 4, 2019

New Olympia Commissioner

By Karen Robes Meeks

Former Port of Port Townsend Executive Director Sam Gibboney will lead the Port of Olympia Commission as its new Executive Director.

Gibboney outshone two other finalists for the top job formerly held by Ed Galligan, who served 12 years before resigning.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead an organization with such significant economic impact,” said Gibboney. “I look forward to joining the Port of Olympia team and getting to know the Thurston County community.”

At the Port of Port Townsend, Gibboney managed the operations of an 18-acre shipyard, three marinas, an international general aviation airport and a campus of historical buildings.

She joins the port as it implements the Strategic Plan adopted in 2017, which seeks to develop economic opportunities in the region, be an environmental steward, and create and maintain community assets.

“Gibboney will be expected to move the Port toward the ultimate goal: A More Resilient Thurston County,” the port said.

“The Commission strived for a great public servant to lead our organization with transparency and strong values,” said Commission President E.J. Zita. “We are thrilled to have Sam’s experience and leadership as we progress and change.” Gibboney, 57, is expected to start in Olympia on Jan. 22. Her compensation is set at $175,000 a year.

Enhydra Wins Accolades

By Karen Robes Meeks

All American Marine, Inc.’s 128-foot, 600-passenger boat Enhydra earned vessel of the year at the 2018 International WorkBoat Show.

The vessel was constructed for tour company Red and White Fleet at All American Marine’s new 58,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in downtown Bellingham, Wash. It launched at the Squalicum Harbor boat launch.

All American and BAE Systems teamed up to build the Enhydra, currently the biggest lithium-ion battery electric hybrid-powered vessel in North America constructed under USCG Subchapter K certification.

“We are proud to introduce such a large-capacity hybrid technology vessel and working with such great partners such as Red and White Fleet and BAE Systems to develop and build the boat of the future," All American Marine CEO Matt Mullett said. "All American is working to stay at the forefront of the decarbonization movement in the maritime industry, and the lithium-ion hybrid electric propulsion system on the Enhydra is a step in the right direction.”

San Diego Invites Public Comment

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of San Diego is inviting the public to weigh in on the future of the Embarcadero area of San Diego’s waterfront. The new survey will help prioritize future amenities.

The data collected will be incorporated into the Port Master Plan Update, a blueprint for developing the 6,000 acres of waterfront property over the next 50 years.

“The port is seeking feedback on the public’s preferred uses for the Embarcadero, specifically the North and Central Embarcadero, because of the great interest both residents and visitors have in this highly visible area,” read the press release issued by the port.

The feedback could include “park space, public art, seating areas, retail and other businesses, and ways of engaging with the bay,” the port said. The survey also asks questions about public parking, driving and other ways of maneuvering around the waterfront.

The survey will be available until Jan. 31 and can be found at https://bit.ly/2PFoyfs.