Chris Omdal new La Conner Marina harbormaster

Chris Omdal stepped into his new role as the La Conner Marina harbormaster last week after career stop where he has always enjoyed meeting folks from all walks of life.

That will not change here.

Omdal, an avid walker, has already developed an easy rapport with boaters moored at the marina’s floating docks along Swinomish Channel.

At the start of the Memorial Day weekend Friday, he donned his safety vest and walked the marina’s guest float area to meet and greet members of the Edmonds Yacht Club, in town to celebrate a holiday cruise.

Omdal and Edmonds fleet captain Larry Carpenter – a fellow University of Washington alum – chatted about the storied Husky crew program, from the school’s famed 1936 Olympic rowers to present day regattas at Montlake.

It was like that the entire length of the float, Omdal engaging guests and staff alike on a first name basis, conversing on a wide range of topics.

“I like being out here and away from my desk whenever I can,” said Omdal, whose duties as harbormaster include working with moorage tenants.

He handles office administration, marketing and budget development, visiting with boaters and RV park guests and the Port of Skagit’s business tenants within the marina.

Omdal is a strong addition to the Port’s management team, said Linda Tyler, communications director.

Born and raised in Bow to a pioneer Skagit County family, Omdal graduated in 1987 from Burlington-Edison High School. He fished local waters and developed a love for boating and maritime ventures.

He earned a master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington and a second master’s in logistics from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, involving planning, land and air operations. He served 20 years in the Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

“Chris’s leadership and experience with public-private partnerships will be a great fit in his new role at the La Conner Marina,” Tyler said. “With his background in marine services, Chris brings a breadth of working knowledge and skills to lead the complex operations of the marina.”

Omdal is well versed in geography, having visited nearly three dozen countries. He spent a year traveling the world with his wife, Carrie, also an Air Force veteran, and their children, following retirement.

The family returned to the Skagit Valley and landed the only four-bedroom home on the market in Burlington. That allowed Omdal to gain this opportunity.

“I heard about this job coming open,” Omdal said. He was hired following a rigorous application process, including three interviews.

He comes aboard at a key juncture in the 52-year history of La Conner Marina.

The Port has launched a feasibility study and visioning process to determine the best and highest use of its maritime property. Port staff and consultants recently outlined the early-stage framework for their long-range plans at the marina during a joint meeting with the town’s council and planning commission at Maple Hall.

“Chris,” said Tyler, “will play a key role in the redevelopment of the La Conner Marina.”