2026 Port of Anacortes Centennial by Adams MultiMedia

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Contents Welcome From Our Director...............................5 Voter Approval of Port District in 1926.............6 The Railroad Dream............................................10 Building a Working Port.....................................12 Stability & Regional Integration........................14 The Transition Era...............................................15 Port OKs Start of $3 Million Scott Paper Mill Site Cleanup............................17 Timeline................................................................20 The Port of Anacortes Earns Port of the Year Award.............................22 Environmental Cleanup & Reinvention...........24 Redevelopment & Strategic Growth.................25 Marine Trades Anchor a Century of Growth in Anacortes.......................26 A Letter from The Port Commission President........................................28 Your Commissioners...........................................31 SKAGIT PUBLISHING 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Phone: 360.732.1751 | ads@skagitads.com © Skagit Publishing 2026 All rights reserved. PRODUCTION May Askins-Huber WASHINGTON REGIONAL PRESIDENT : Rebecca Poynter rpoynter@skagitpublishing.com GoAnacortes.com

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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Welcome to Our Centennial Celebration A

Today, we celebrate not only where we have been, but where we are headed. As we look toward the fu‑ ture, our mission remains clear: expand opportu‑ nity, support good jobs, s we celebrate 100 the region—strengthening and continue serving as a years of service to our our local economy and catalyst for regional pros‑ community, we recognize enhancing its resilience. perity. The next century the Port Commissioners, Our success has always holds tremendous prom‑ staff, and maritime part‑ relied on these partner‑ ise, and we are excited to ners that have delivered ships—with public agen‑ move forward—working a century of progress, cies, private enterprise, together to build an even partnership, and shared Tribal communities, and brighter future. achievement. For gen‑ the residents who make erations, our work has Anacortes extraordinary. Thank you for being centered on a core mis‑ part of this historic mile‑ sion of economic growth Together, we’ve estab‑ stone. Here’s to 100 years and job creation. We have lished a foundation that of achievement—and to seen businesses launch, fuels innovation, strength‑ the many successes still to expand, and thrive here ens commerce, and in‑ come. in Anacortes, while also spires continued invest‑ completing significant ment. environmental cleanup projects that return land and opportunity to the community. Through collaboration with our partners, we have built modern facil‑ ities, attracted new in‑ dustries, and supported family‑wage jobs across

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John Dumas Executive Director PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

Courtesy of the Port of Anacortes

Voter Approval of Port District in 1926 Stood as Evidence of Hope for the Future

by Steve Berentson

f Anacortes failed to become a major West Coast seaport, it was not for lack of effort among the city’s early leaders. To put it bluntly, early Fidalgo Island dreamers dreamed big time. City founder Amos Bowman, whose favorite place on the island was the Ship Harbor area where the state ferry terminal is now located, wrote in 1883: “Aside from its central location on the water of the Fuca Mediterranean, on the eastside mainland, or continental shore, and the head of Fuca Strait, where all other imaginable approaches by land or sea must either meet or pass, the first feature to impress itself upon the mind of the observer is the fact that, stand‑ ing anywhere you like upon the Fidalgo shore, Ship Harbor has the appearance

of being, as it really is, for all practical purposes, a perfectly land-locked har‑ bor.” Bowman continued: “The second striking circumstance is the fact that from this sheltered body of water are seen radiating five or six different channels, or water ways, each of them possessing individual merits, either of direction for local commercial traffic or for facility of approach for coasting and seagoing craft from any direction, north, south, east or west” Then, for dramatic effect: “Here a smuggler or a pirate might lurk, it he designed striking in any direction. These peculiarities, combining a perfectly land-locked shore with a series of outlets in all desirable directions, make Ship

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Harbor, with its accessory good qualities, the best harbor on Puget Sound and rank it among the best in the world.” Bowman did not re‑ strict his promotional efforts to words. Writers of the turn-of-the-centu‑ ry “History of Skagit and Snohomish Counties” reported of him: “It is to this man above all others, perhaps, that Anacortes owes its existence. He and his wife bought one hundred sixty-eight acres, built a wharf and a store and establishing a post office and newspaper. His most important and effective work,” the book continued, “was probably the printing of the map of Puget Sound and the region around Anacortes, predicting its railroad future. This map he scat‑ tered broadcast in 1882 and the year following, with noteworthy results. In 1877, upon the estab‑ lishment of a post office, Anacortes received its name. It is derived from the maiden name of Mrs. GoAnacortes.com

Anacortes American

Anna (Curtis) Bowman. The railroad terminus dream never materialized. But many of the natural attributes of the island and its “capital” city guaranteed progress, if on a less dramatic scale, and Anacortes did develop as a modest, but busy Family Owned & Operated Personalized Family Needs Accommodated Onsite Crematory Cremation – Memorials – Burial 360-651-9233 8808 271st St NW, Stanwood

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seaport. By the mid-Twen‑ to fuel this new vehicle of initiated their plan, and ties, community leaders progress. the first Port dock was were once again entertain‑ The port fact sheet con‑ completed Jan. 1, 1931. ing dreams of a city with tinued: “(The commission) Earnings in success of maritime activities rivaling had in mind (at the time costs were $7,549 from those of Puget Sound cities elements of the bond issue Aug. 1, 1930 to July 31, to the north and south. were assembled) the fact 1931. By October 1931, On November 2, 1926 that the state had forever according to a local news‑ voters overwhelmingly reserved to the cities all paper report, “Thirteen approved (1,453 yes; 253 harbor areas in front of thousand dollars of the no) the creation of the them, but to make these original bond issue had Anacortes Port District, at areas available for port and been retired, and the port the same time electing as industrial development, properties inventory, port commissioners two the people must own the $116,000, with cash on city council members and waterfront and uplands hand and bills receivable a member of the school facing them.” of $9,000.” board. Immediately those With funds in port cof‑ The Port of Anacortes men launched a campaign fers, the commissioners had settled quickly and

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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efficiently into its role of “...working for the ad‑ vancement of the district’s industry and commerce.” The “Builders Edition” of the Daily Herald in Mount Vernon reported in 1931: “In carrying out the plans for the port, rates for storage, wharfage and handling are the lowest in Puget Sound ports, and an enviable reputation has been achieved for quick and economical handling of cargo and dispatch of ships.” Over the years the Wash‑ ington State Legislature

has periodically broad‑ ened the authority under which public ports oper‑ ate. In 1941, the authority to operate airports and to promote industrial devel‑ opment was added to the powers of public ports. In addition to waterfront businesses, the Port of Anacortes operates an airport with a number of small business tenants. Today, the Port of Ana‑ cortes operates as a special purpose district under the direction of five elected Commissioners. The com‑ missioners establish policy

and employ an Executive Director, who in turn employs staff to carry out those established policies and procedures. Currently the Port Com‑ mission meets in public session on the first and third Thursday of each month (June, July, and August, meetings are limited to third Thursdays only) to conduct business -- business which con‑ tinues to contribute to the social and economic well-being of the residents of the Anacortes Port Dis‑ trict.

Courtesy of the Port of Anacortes GoAnacortes.com

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

Courtesy of the Anacortes Museum Photographer: C.L. Judd

Late 1800s-1920s “The Railroad Dream”

efore the Port existed, Anacortes was fueled by a bold vision. In the late 1800s, the arrival of the railroad ignited hopes that the city would become the western terminus of a major transconti‑ nental line. Led by founder Amos Bowman, boosters

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promoted Anacortes as the “New York of the West,” a bustling Pacific gate‑ way poised to rival Seattle and Tacoma. For a brief moment, the dream felt within reach. But when the railroad ambitions col‑ lapsed in the 1890s eco‑ nomic bust, those grand expectations faded just as quickly. Instead of rising as a major metropolitan port, Anacortes shifted toward

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a working waterfront identity. Fishing, logging, and small-scale maritime industry took root, set‑ ting the foundation for the kind of hands-on, blue-collar waterfront that would eventually shape the Port’s creation.

Courtesy of the Anacortes Museum Photographer: Lance Burdon

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Courtesy of the Anacortes Museum

1926-1940s “Building a Working Port”

hen voters approved the formation of the Port District in 1926, they set in motion the creation of a true working waterfront. Even during the strain of the Great Depression, the Port pushed ahead with constructing its first docks, opening Anacortes to regular shipping and giving local industries the structure they needed to grow. Logging and lumber exports moved steadily through the waterfront, while commercial fishing fleets and fish canneries created a rhythm

Courtesy of the Anacortes Museum Wallie Funk Collection 12

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Courtesy of the Anacortes Museum Wallie Funk Collection Photographer: Ferd Brady

of seasonal, labor inten‑ sive activity. This was the era when the Port’s iden‑ tity became firmly estab‑ lished as a blue-collar, maritime powered engine for the region. Through resilience and determina‑ tion, the Port transformed early ambition into prac‑ tical industry, shaping a community built on ships, timber, and hard work.

Anacortes American June 1932 GoAnacortes.com

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

1940s-1960s “Stability & Regional Integration”

n the mid-20th cen‑ cortes Airport. The arrival tury, the Port of Ana‑ and construction of the cortes settled into a Shell and Texaco refineries period of stability and further intertwined Ana‑ steady expansion. Logging cortes with the region’s in‑ exports, commercial fish‑ dustrial growth. And with ing fleets, and fish canner‑ the opening of the Ana‑ ies continued to define the cortes ferry terminal, the working waterfront, pro‑ Port became the gateway viding reliable family wage to the San Juan Islands. jobs and supporting the local economy. During this time, the Port expanded its marine infrastructure and deepened its connection to the broader industrial network of Puget Sound. Major dredging projects reshaped Cap Sante, the Swinomish Channel, and Fidalgo Bay, improving navigation and opening new opportunities for shipping. The Port also broadened its role with the development of the Ana‑

Courtesy of the Anacortes Museum Wallie Funk Collection 14

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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Anacortes American | Stephen Berenston

1970s-1990s “The Transition Era”

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y the 1970s, the character of the Anacortes water‑ front began to shift. The industries that had long defined the Port (canner‑ ies, large commercial fish‑ ing fleets, and log exports) slowly declined, changing the look and feel of the working shoreline. In their place, new uses began to emerge. Recreation‑ al boating grew steadily, and Cap Sante Marina expanded to meet rising demand from boaters and visitors. Marine repair and boatbuilding businesses, including Dakota Creek Industries, added new

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

layers of activity, sup‑ porting both commercial and recreational vessels. Tourism increased as the city became more closely linked to travel through the San Juan Islands. Meanwhile, the nearby oil refineries continued to shape the region’s econo‑ my. Though gradual, these changes were felt strongly by residents, marking the beginning of a new era for the Port. Anacortes American | Scott Terrell October 1985

Anacortes American | Stephen Schroeder 16

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Anacortes American February 2009

Port OKs Start of $3 Million Scott Paper Mill Site Cleanup

Ecology and former land‑ owner Kimberly Clark Corporation. RAM Construction General Contractors was awarded the project con‑ tract for presenting the lowest construction bid. Work is expected to begin June 1 after site prepa‑ Joan Pringle May 2009 ration is completed this ne of the state’s largest environmental cleanup month. The Bellingham projects was given the go-ahead by the Port of company will relocate Anacortes May 7 when the commission autho‑ utilities, replace a sanitary sewer lift station, build a rized spending nearly $3 million for the first phase of temporary haul road along the three-phase project. 17th Street and excavate The port will be reimbursed 100 percent of the cost for the cleanup and restoration of the former Scott Pa‑ soil on the western por‑ per Mill site south of the Cap Sante Boat Haven. Mon‑ tion of the cleanup site ey will come from the Washington State Department of at and around Seafarers’ Memorial Park.

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Total cost of phase one of the project is expected to be $2.9 million while the construction cost is esti‑ mated at a little more than $1.5 million. Other costs include a 30 percent con‑ struction allowance to ac‑ count for possible contract change orders and another allowance to account for possibly having to excavate larger amounts of soil than anticipated. Under the direction of Ecology, the port “must dig until it’s clean,” said Anacortes American port engineering director September 2008 Bob Elsner. Also at the meeting, the Additional money will go offshore dredging, cap‑ to construction oversight ping, installation of wave commission voted to pro‑ attenuators, removal of ceed with phase one of the services, administration P/Q Pier small craft launch costs, state sales tax, secu‑ the timber breakwater, project at the marina. rity fencing, signs, proper‑ replacement of the small The project was award‑ ty leases for staging areas craft facility and habitat ed to Welch Brothers including property east of mitigation. the Cannery Building, and Final site restoration, in‑ Construction, which pre‑ cluding a shoreline espla‑ sented the lowest bid of a wheel wash system to support upcoming phases nade, lighting, site furnish‑ $80,217. Accounting for two and three of the proj‑ ings and landscaping will $16,100 more for possible be in the third phase. change orders, $6,500 for ect. The entire project is construction oversight Phase two will include deeper upland excavations expected to take two years services, $1,500 for admin‑ on the eastern portion of to complete with the first istration costs and almost phase scheduled to be $8,000 in state sales tax, the site, shoreline exca‑ done by Sept. 15. the total cost of the project vations and restoration, 18

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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is estimated at $112,215. The work entails con‑ struction of a small craft launch staging area, utility installation and landscap‑ ing and irrigation resto‑ ration. In addition, approxi‑ mately 1,500 cubic yards of soil will be excavated from the grassy hill in the northeast corner of the marina near the P/Q Pier. The soil will be moved to the west basin near the outdoor room next to the boat lift. There, it will be graded and landscaped to serve as a seating area for the summer concert se‑ ries. The work is expected to take six weeks to com‑ plete. The second phase of the project, the in-water work, is scheduled for this summer. The project was ap‑ proved by the city for a shoreline permit with the rest of the port’s West Ba‑ sin Redevelopment project in 2005. Commissioner Steve Hopley voted against the project. In the past, Hop‑ GoAnacortes.com

ley argued the project should be used for city public access requirements for planned projects. However, city planning director Ryan Larsen sent a letter to the port in April, stating the city would not enter into a development agreement with the port “to identi‑ fy, in advance, the pub‑ lic access requirements necessary for the port to obtain shoreline permits for future facilities ...” The reason being is be‑ cause it “would eliminate public involvement in many instances ...,” Larsen said. Also at the meeting, a re‑ quest by staff to allow Ex‑ ecutive Director Bob Hyde to purchase a $148,000 street sweeper was ap‑

proved unanimously by the commission. With the purchase, the port will exceed its 2009 capital improvement budget of $125,000 by $25,000. The sweeper will help the port become compli‑ ant with its storm water permits for Pier 2 by go‑ ing after minute particles entering the storm water system, Elsner said. Currently test results show the port consistently exceeds the permit levels for zinc and turbidity. The street sweeper was sug‑ gested by a Washington State Department of Ecol‑ ogy inspector.

welcome to the centennial club

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

CONGRATULATIONS ON 100 YEARS OF CREATING OPPORTUNITY, SUPPORTING JOBS & SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY.

The Seafarers’ Memorial was dedicated during the U.S. Bicentennial, honoring community members who died at sea

Voter approval for creation of the Anacortes Port District First two port commissioners elected

Initial work on the Anacortes Airport program begins

Federal Grant obtained to dredge and improve Basin

First port dock completed

1926 1927

The Port welcomes the USS Skagit

1950

1931 1933

1964 1956

1976

1969

Anacortes Airport opens to aircraft use

“Old Ironsides” visits port

Bond issue to begin pur‑ chasing and development approved

1968

Mike and Ellen Demopoulos donated land to the citizens through the port. This land was then used along with existing port property to create the Cap Sante Boat Haven

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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The Port of Anacortes celebrates 100 years

The Port of Anacortes purchased the northern portion of the former Scott Paper Company mill site in 1978–79, following the closure of the pulp mill in 1978.

The Port undertook extensive clean‑ up of multiple waterfront sites in the 2000s, including Cap Sante Marine and additional habitat and remedia‑ tion projects across several properties.

After major cleanup and resto‑ ration work, Seafarers’ Memorial Park officially reopened in May

1978

2000 1981

2011 2009

2026 2014

2023

Cleanup actions—including soil remedia‑ tion, sediment dredging, and shoreline resto‑ ration—were carried out at old paper mill site Community discussions about an event facility began in the 1970s, including a 1979 concept design. Port–City joint meetings on the topic occurred in the early 1980s, includ‑ ing 1981, as documented in Port Commis‑ sion records. GoAnacortes.com

Cap Sante cleanup completed with ongoing environmental covenant requirements. The original 1977 creosote‑treated T‑Dock is currently being replaced with a modern steel‑pile structure.

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

2008 The Port of Anacortes Earns Port of the Year Award Joan Pringle | Anacortes American November 2008

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he Port of Ana‑ cortes was rated the top port among the 75 public ports in the state by the Washington Public Ports Association during its annual meeting last week. The 2008 President’s Port of the Year Award was presented on the basis of information submitted by port staff to WPPA. The port’s submission included information on the Project Pier 1 rede‑ velopment of the Dakota Creek Industries shipyard,

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said Executive Director Bob Hyde. Details of the port’s Cap Sante Boat Ha‑ ven environmental clean‑ up project that removed approximately 24,000 tons of contaminated soil from the west basin were also included. It’s the first time the port has received the award. It was competing with much larger ones around the state, including the ports of Bremerton and Tacoma, Hyde said. The ports association honored the port for “con‑ tributing to the economy and the quality of life of its community by part‑ nering with state agencies and private enterprise in an aggressive program of environmental resto‑ ration and infrastructure development all while demonstrating sound management and fiscal accountability.”

Anacortes American | Elaine Wilson November 2000

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E Courtesy of the Port of Anacortes Archives

2000s-2010s “Environmental Cleanup & Reinvention”

ntering the 2000s, the Port of Ana‑ cortes embarked on one of the most signif‑ icant transformations in its history. Major environ‑ mental cleanups reshaped the waterfront. Working closely with state agencies, the Port undertook exten‑ sive remediation of former mill sites, boatyards, and areas affected by historic fuel contamination. These efforts opened the door for new uses of the shore‑ line, not just for industry, but for public access and future redevelopment. What had once been inac‑ tive or contaminated land became usable and full of potential. The scale and effectiveness of the clean‑ up work drew recognition, earning state and national awards for environmental leadership and steward‑ ship. This period marked a turning point in how the community viewed the waterfront and its possibil‑ ities.

Courtesy of the Port of Anacortes Archives 24

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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Courtesy of the Port of Anacortes Archives

2010s-Today “Redevelopment & Strategic Growth”

n recent years, the Port of Anacortes has focused on strategic redevelopment and mod‑ ern maritime growth. The Port has acquired and revitalized key water‑ front properties, strength‑ ening its role as both an industrial hub and a pub‑ lic gateway. Investments in marine trades, from boatbuilding to repair and service, support a diverse ecosystem of maritime businesses. Cleanup ef‑ forts continue, building on earlier environmental progress. Today, the Port operates as a multifac‑ eted maritime hub with a deep-water marine terminal, a major recre‑ ational marina serving as a gateway to the San Juan Islands, an active airport,

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and a mix of commercial and industrial tenants. Its pri‑ orities emphasize job creation, economic development, and environmental stewardship, guiding the Port into its second century with purpose and adaptability.

Courtesy of the Port of Anacortes Archives Photographer: Karla DeCamp

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

Briana Alzola | Anacortes American

2026 Marine Trades Anchor a Century of Growth in Anacortes Anna Rose | Skagit Publishing September 2026

s the Port of Ana‑ cortes celebrates 100 years, one thing stands out most to Seattle Yachts General Manager Patrick Harrigan above all else: The leader‑ ship consistently recogniz‑ es the importance of pro‑ tecting and promoting the marine trades. “They treat our working waterfront not just as a vital piece of local history, but as an essential part of our community’s future,” he said.

The city is home to more Anacortes is the gateway than 70 marine-related to the San Juan Islands and businesses that provided the Inside Passage, and more than 450 local jobs, more boaters than ever are Harrigan noted, with the choosing to make it their marine trades consistently home base. ranking as one of the top business tax revenue pro‑ “Over the past decade, viders. our boating community has experienced tremen‑ This was incentive for dous growth, which is Seattle Yachts, established clearly reflected in the ex‑ in 2016. panded services and thriv‑ ing marine-related busi‑ “We chose Anacortes for nesses throughout town,” its prime location, worldHarrigan said. class marina, and the outstanding working rela‑

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tionship we enjoy with the Port,” Harrigan said. Today, the company’s flagship sales office is anchored at Cap Sante Marina, where they lease numerous slips to sup‑ port sales and service operations. Beyond yacht sales, their Anacortes presence encompasses a boat share program, pow‑ er and sailing instruction through their academy, two full-service boatyards, and 40,000 square feet of indoor boat storage. “We are proud to call Anacortes home to our corporate headquarters,” Harrigan said.

Milo Whitman | Anacortes American

local marine businesses and supporting marine work‑ force development, the port can ensure our working waterfront remains a powerful economic driver for generations to come,” Harrigan said.

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Looking ahead to the next 100 years, the great‑ est opportunity, Harrigan says, lies in expanding infrastructure and work‑ force training to “solidify Anacortes as the unques‑ tioned top marine hub in the Pacific Northwest.” “By continuing to foster strong partnerships with GoAnacortes.com

Grateful for the Port of Anacortes and its century‑long dedication to strengthening and serving our maritime community.

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

A Letter from The Port Commission President

or a century, the Port nities such as the Event has supported eco‑ Preserving and improv‑ Facility, parking reconfig‑ nomic development ing our infrastructure is a uration and supporting and the creation of jobs. businesses and develop‑ central theme as well. By We are a vibrant water‑ investing in modern, reli‑ ment that will not only front community—root‑ able facilities, we support bring energy but also jobs, ed in industrial marine induced & indirect econ‑ long‑standing industries enterprise and defined while creating conditions omies and sales tax reve‑ by a deep connection to nues into our community. to attract new business the entire waterfront, our and stimulate long‑term community and our next growth. Our work at We are proud of the generation, this is what Port’s sound governance T‑Dock is a clear exam‑ has shaped Anacortes into ple—strategic upgrades and disciplined financial who we are today. designed to enhance mar‑ stewardship. Through stra‑ itime capabilities, improve tegic planning and respon‑ Looking ahead, the Port operational efficiencies, sible decision‑making, we is advancing initiatives are positioning the Port to and broaden economic and investments that potential for our commer‑ remain financially strong strengthen our region’s cial fishing family. You will and able to invest confi‑ economic resilience. Our see the re-development of dently in opportunities focus remains centered on the uplands at Cap Sante that benefit the commu‑ supporting family‑wage Boat Haven and in water. nity today and for genera‑ jobs, fostering a diverse We are close to kicking off tions to come. and competitive economy, the outreach on the recap‑ and ensuring that our core italization of the north end We also lead the way in operating centers continue of the marina and excited environmental steward‑ serving as engines of op‑ to partner with the marina ship. Our commitment portunity for our commu‑ community on this and in reflects a core belief that nity. economic development, advance of that see ame‑

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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job creation, and environmental responsibility work hand in hand to build a stronger, healthier future for Anacortes. As we mark 100 years, the Port of Anacortes remains dedicated to the principles that have guided us since 1926: supporting family‑wage jobs, fostering economic development, sustaining a vibrant maritime economy, and stewarding the infrastructure and environment that make our community thrive.

Kathy Pittis Commission President

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Your Commissioners Mary Lafleur

Bob Papadakis

District 1

District 2

ommissioner LaF‑ leur was elected Port Commissioner in 2025 and began her term in January 2026. Mrs. LaF‑ leur owns and operates a local insurance business, ALT Insurance, and has been in the insurance business for 40 years. A lifelong boater, Mrs. LaFleur grew up on boats with annual stops in Anacortes. She has now been a Cap Sante Marina tenant for nearly 40 years. Commissioner LaFleur previously served on the Marine Advisory Committee, Anacortes Marine Trades Committee and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband John enjoy boating and traveling.

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ommissioner Papa‑ dakis was elected Port Commissioner in 2025 and began his term in January 2026. Mr. Papadakis is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Naval War College. He retired from the Navy after a 23-year career and joined Boeing as the lead in the company’s field office aboard NAS Whidbey Island, retiring from that position after 16 years with the company. He has been a board member and volunteer at the Tri-Parish Food Bank for many years and is an active reading tutor at Island View Elementary School. He and his wife Jeannette enjoy time with family, hiking, biking, traveling, and boating in their free time.

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

Shawn Ottenbreit

Bonnie Bowers District 4

District 3

ommissioner Otten‑ breit was appointed and began his term in March of 2023. Mr. Ot‑ tenbreit and his wife have been entrepreneurs in the boating industry for the past 6 years. They own and operate a local boat dealership, Salish Boat Company and a boat club, Freedom Boat Club. Mr. Ottenbreit has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. Prior to being an entrepreneur, Mr. Ottenbreit spent 25 years as a Certified Public Accountant with Ernst & Young and senior finance executive with Hewlett-Packard Company. Commission‑ er Ottenbreit is passionate about spending his recreational time with family and friends on the water cruising and enjoying the amazing boating and fishing here in the Salish Sea.

ommissioner Bow‑ ers was elected Port Commissioner in 2019 and began her term in January 2020. Mrs. Bowers is a graduate of Washington State Univer‑ sity and the FBI National Academy. She retired as Police Chief in Anacortes after a 33-year career in public safety. She has a keen interest in economic development and green industry. Mrs. Bowers is a longtime member of the Anacortes Rotary Club. She and her husband Bud, also retired from a long career in public safety, enjoy the wonderful outdoor activities provided in our community and time with their grandchildren.

Courtesy of the Port of Anacortes Archives 32

PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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Katherine “Kathy” Pittis

Past Commissioners

District 5

ommissioner Pittis was elected Port Commissioner in 2017 and began her term in January 2018. Mrs. Pittis had a 21-year career at the Port of Anacortes, serving in various leadership roles. Commissioner Pittis is currently serving on the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) Nominating Com‑ mittee, is a past President for WPPA, serves on the Northwest Career & Tech‑ nical Academy General Advisory Committee and is an active Anacortes High School Volunteer. She and her husband Russ enjoy an active lifestyle including involvement with their children’s and grandchildren’s athletic and extracurricular pursuits.

Congratulations to the Port of Anacortes for their 100th year!

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PORT OF ANACORTES CENTENNIAL

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Retain top talent. Support marine trades.

Congratulations to the Port of Anacortes! Thank you for serving our community for 100 years!

Your Friends, the Downtown Anacortes Alliance

Light Up Downtown

November 20th, 2026

Elves Night Out!

Downtown is the heart of our community; our place to gather with friends, family, and community.