||| FROM ROBERT HAMILTON for PORT OF ORCAS |||
The Port of Orcas is pleased to announce the promotion of Kim Kimple to the position of Port Manager starting January 1, 2023.
Kim has been Administrative Assistant with the Port for two-and-a-half years. Since the departure of Port Manager Jeannie Sharpe in September the Port Commissioners have been working hard to fill the vacancy. After the top two candidates rejected offers due to housing concerns, Kim applied for the position and the Commission made an offer – combining both the Port Manager and Administrative Assistant duties.
The Port apologizes to the fire, park and hospital districts as they lose Kim who has served in various administrative roles. Kim will continue to respond as a volunteer EMT with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue.
While the Port was between managers, several local pilots stepped up to support this community as volunteer pilot-hosts and aid in the smooth operations at the airport — A special thanks to: Will Rubey, Dave Shinstrom, David Janacek, Jim Hostler, Eric Gourley, and Bill Dallas.
As always, the Port Commissioners welcome your questions and input. Simply access the Port of Orcas online at www.portoforcas.com to find the contact info for your Port Commissioners.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Congratulations to all! Kim is a wonderful hire.
I Love it when Good things come together. Kim has demonstrated to the Community her ability’s in many arenas. This move is a bold one for the Port.. the explication I have, she will knock the ball out of the park! Anyone that has worked with her has had the privilege of her excellent People Skills, follow thru and competence.
Congratulations to Kim, Port and Community. While this is a New Skill she will develop, she’s shown consistently to get answers, solutions and with smiles!
Congratulations to Kim and to the Port Commissioners for their wise choice. There will be a new ‘aviation’ language to learn but I know that all the Orcas pilots will rally to Kim’s side and support her with anything she needs. We are all fortunate to have such a highly qualified individual as Kim to assume the management of this vital community asset.
I’m delighted that such a win-win-win solution was found and that the Port management will be in Kim’s capable and knowing care. She has demonstrated her commitment to the Port this past 2 1/2 years, knows the issues, has been through much of the last Master Plan with us, and has at all times shown professionalism, neutrality, attention to and understanding of both aviation and community interests and concerns, capability in facilitating meetings and all administrative duties. We are so lucky to have you, Kim. Congratulations. Thank you, Port Commission, for this decision.
In this age of extreme housing difficulties, going “local” with this job is a win for all of us; there seems to be a trend to “import” important staff and I have never understood that trend when we have so many highly qualified and committed people right here.
Excellent casting!