||| FROM ROBERT HAMILTON for PORT OF ORCAS |||
I am pleased to report that the Port of Orcas has hired a new Executive Director. Chip Long will start in this full-time position on July 1, 2024.
Chip and his wife Elizabeth have called Orcas Island home for the past five years, Chip retired from a career as an American Airlines Captain and Vice President of Flight Operations for the airline. He has plans to renew his EMT certification and has been volunteering on the local Mercy Flight, Orcas Community Participatory Agriculture, and the Orcas Severe Weather Shelter programs.
I wish to thank the many people who helped us select Chip out of a strong pool of candidates. Our recruiting company started by interviewing local stakeholders about the attributes they desire in a Port manager and set up the search criteria based on that input. We had many of you show up for a “Meet the Candidates” reception held at the Orcas Center, and then five volunteers spent an entire day interviewing the three finalists. While all three candidates were well-qualified, the overwhelming response from those interview events was that the Port Commissioners should choose Chip as our new Executive Director.
Chip plans to hold events to better interact with the community, so please take an opportunity to say hello when you have a chance.
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Robert and the Board of Port Commissioners,
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the transparent and inclusive process you led in selecting our Ports new Executive Director, Chip Long. As one of the five volunteers who spent the day interviewing candidates, I was impressed by the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the entire process.
I am confident that Chip will bring valuable experience, leadership, and a genuine passion for our community to the Port of Orcas. His plans to hold events to interact with the community further illustrate his commitment to fostering strong relationships and understanding our needs.
Thank you, Robert, and the entire Board of Port Commissioners, for your diligent efforts and for setting an exemplary standard in leadership selection. Your dedication to a transparent and community-focused process is truly commendable.
In the Name of Service,
Jason Bradshaw
General Manager
Eastsound Sewer and Water District (ESWD)