By Karen Robes Meeks
The Bellingham SeaFeast Board of Directors has hired a new executive director to oversee its popular event celebrating Whatcom County’s maritime roots and waterfront offerings.
Liz Purdy has been tapped to helm Bellingham SeaFeast, set for Sept. 21-22, 2019.
“Liz Purdy is the ideal candidate to serve as Executive Director for Bellingham SeaFeast,” said SeaFeast Board of Directors Chair and Port Executive Director Rob Fix. “Liz worked during last year’s festival and proved herself to be a tremendous asset. Liz has the working waterfront background and event planning experience necessary to hit the ground running and continue to grow attendance at this incredible event.”
Purdy said she is honored to serve in the role.
“Bellingham SeaFeast represents what I love about living in Whatcom County,” she said. “[Former executive director] Deb Granger started this event with a vision to showcase the significance of the working waterfront. I intend to carry that vision forward to host a family-friendly celebration with plenty of fresh seafood for an experience that keeps people coming back each year.”
The event was launched in 2016 as a way to bolster tourism and hotel occupancy during the off-season.
“Many people don’t understand just how much fish comes over the docks in Whatcom County” said Granger. “Over 6,000 people in Whatcom County have jobs created or supported by the maritime sector and the success of Bellingham SeaFeast is the result of the pride in our waterfront shared by the individuals and families who make up our maritime and commercial fishing industries.”
