Patsy Martin retiring from Port of Skagit

Burlington — After nearly three decades at The Port of Skagit, including 14 years at the helm, Executive Director Patsy Martin will retire in September.

Martin began her career with the Port of Anacortes in 1987 then became property/development manager at The Port of Skagit. She worked in several capacities before becoming executive director in 2007.

Martin’s dedication to the Port of Skagit’s mission of “Good Jobs for the Skagit Valley” has brought many successes including the expansion of buildings, public assets and funding partnerships to support Bayview Business Park, Skagit Regional Airport and La Conner Marina and investing in critical infrastructure to support the value-added agriculture sector.

She has overseen the creation of an innovative wetland protection program, the development of the 10-plus miles of nature trails through the Port and the acquisition of the Northern State Hospital property.

The Washington Public Ports Association recognized The Port of Skagit as Port of the Year in 2018.

“There are two kinds of executive directors in the Port world,” Port Commission President Kevin Ware noted. “There are those who are placeholders who simply manage properties and then there are those who see where the Port should go and make it happen – that’s Patsy. She has always understood and embraced the Port’s job of encouraging economic development for our community and that has made all the difference.”

Sara Young, the Port’s director of planning and facilities, was named Martin’s successor at the Port Commission’s June 8 meeting. She takes over Sept. 1.

Martin reflected, “I am blessed to have such an amazing team to work with over the course of my career here. I am thrilled to see where the Port goes next under Sara’s leadership.”

The Port of Skagit has spent the past year developing a succession plan in preparation for Martin’s departure, with the goal of a seamless and effective transition that maintains the Port’s high-functionality and service to the community.

Source: Port of Skagit