2026 Port Commission Officer and Committee Assignments
February 4, 2026 | News
It’s that time of the year again – our Port Commissioners have been assigned to their committees and officer roles. These assignments take place at the first Regular Commissioner meeting of each new year. In 2026, the Port’s five-seat Commission is made up of three returning Commissioners – Bonnie Bowers, Kathy Pittis, and Shawn Ottenbreit – and two first-year commissioners – Bob Papadakis and Mary LaFleur. All five of our commissioners are stepping up to take on committee positions, and our three returning Commissioners have been elected to their officer roles.
Officer Roles:
The Commission’s officer roles include President, Vice President, and Secretary. Each role is held for one year. Typically, returning Commissioners are selected for officer roles, while first-year commissioners get the chance to learn the ropes. In 2026, the Commission unanimously elected returning Commissioners to the following roles:
- Kathy Pittis – President
- Shawn Ottenbreit – Vice President
- Bonnie Bowers – Secretary
Committee Assignments:
In total, there are 14 seats across the 11 committees in which our Commissioners participate. As committee members, our Commissioners deliberate with internal and external stakeholders, stay informed about the work of other agencies, and represent the Port’s interests and priorities on a local, state, and national levels.
Three new committee seats were added this year in recognition of the Port’s focused priorities for 2026 and beyond. The new Economic Development Representative will help advance the Port’s mission of economic development and job creation. An Airport Master Layout Plan Update Representative was added to serve as a direct communication line between the Commission and Executive Director John Dumas as the Port begins the Anacortes Airport Master Layout Plan Update project this year. Finally, the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) Legislative Committee seat will ensure that our priorities and interests are better represented with PNWA, who represents pacific northwest public ports at the federal level.
Below are the Committee assignments by Commissioner (and officer roles, if applicable). If you want to learn more about each committee, we have included a list of committee descriptions following the assignments.
Commissioner Bob Papadakis:
Skagit Council of Governments
Washington Public Ports Assoc. Legislative Committee
Airport Master Layout Plan Update Representative
Commissioner Bonnie Bowers (Commission Secretary):
Washington Public Ports Assoc. Legislative Committee
Washington Public Ports Assoc. Trustee
Anacortes Boating Community Representative
Commissioner Kathy Pittis (Commission President):
Pacific NW Waterways Association Legislative Committee
Port/City Liaison Committee
Washington Public Ports Assoc. Nominating Committee
Commissioner Mary LaFleur:
Pacific NW Waterways Association Legislative Committee
Anacortes Marine Trades Representative
Marina Advisory Committee Representative
Commissioner Shawn Ottenbreit (Commission Vice-President):
Port/City Liaison Committee
Economic Development Representative
Read about each of the committee seats on which our Commissioners represent us below.
Port/City Liaison Committee
Representatives of the City of Anacortes and the Port of Anacortes meet regularly to discuss pertinent issues. Serving on the committee for the City are the Mayor and three City Council Members. The Executive Director and two members of the Port Commission represent the Port. Staff from both organizations attend as appropriate and/or requested.
Skagit Council of Governments (SCOG)
SCOG connects Skagit County’s leaders to build a stronger Skagit region and plan for future growth. As Skagit County’s federally- and state-designated transportation planning organization, SCOG coordinates decision making and policy development in transportation and regional growth management. Made up of 15 local jurisdictions, SCOG works with partner agencies to administer programs and develop long-term solutions for the region’s challenges. The Port of Anacortes has one representative designated to serve on this board. This representative will also serve as the Port representative for the Regional Transportation Planning Organization, which is a sub-committee of SCOG that coordinates planning between jurisdictions for transportation projects involving state and federal funds throughout the County.
Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA)
The WPPA is a public agency trade association authorized in 1961 by the state Legislature as the coordinating organization for all Washington public port districts. The WPPA is instructed by statute to carry out studies common to all ports, exchange helpful operations information, promote port development, encourage commerce and transportation, and serve as a communications channel between ports and the Legislature.
75 Washington public port districts with interests including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and other portions of the state and national transportation infrastructure make up the membership of the association, with each port district having one vote on the Board of Trustees. Official policies of the Association are discussed and voted upon democratically at two board meetings each year. Votes are cast by each port’s designated Trustee or by the designated Alternate should the delegate be unavailable. In the event of a Commissioner serving on the WPPA Executive Committee, the WPPA By-laws require that Commissioner to be the Port’s Trustee. The Port pays registration fees and expenses for the designated Trustee and the designated Alternate, as well as any Commissioner wishing to attend.
Washington Public Ports Association Legislative Committee
The WPPA Legislative Committee meets regularly to discuss and prioritize legislative issues with importance to Washington ports. A representative, or representatives, may be selected annually to serve on this Committee. Representatives attend the meetings of the Legislative Committee and report to the Commission regularly.
Washington Public Ports Association Nominating Committee
The WPPA Nominating Committee meets in the fall quarter leading up to the Annual Meeting to identify candidates for positions on the Executive Committee. Representatives are appointed by WPPA and must have been a past WPPA Executive Committee member.
Anacortes Community Boating Representative
The Anacortes Community Boating (ACB) is a non-profit organization that began with a need for serving the small boating community but has grown into an inclusive and comprehensive program encompassing waterfront programs, enhanced water access and unified purpose in a quickly growing maritime community.
Marina Advisory Committee Representative
The Port’s Marina Advisory Committee, or “MAC” for short, was created by the Port Commission to provide insight and input to the Commission regarding the Cap Sante Marina. The Committee membership is appointed by the Commission and represents a broad spectrum of commercial, recreational, and neighboring business interests, as well as a representative from the City of Anacortes. The Executive Director and Harbormaster and one member of the Port Commission represent the Port at their monthly meetings.
Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) Legislative Committee
The PNWA Legislative Committee meets regularly to discuss and prioritize federal legislative issues with importance to Washington ports. A representative, or representatives, may be selected annually to serve on this Committee. Representatives attend the meetings of the Legislative Committee and report to the Commission regularly.
Economic Development Representative
Commission Representative that will meet with Executive Director regarding Economic Development strategy, initiatives, and opportunities, including attending any economic development meetings with outside organizations if needed.
Anacortes Marine Trades Representative
The Anacortes Marine Trades is a committee within the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce representative marine trade businesses and organizations. One Port Commissioner and the Marina Harbormaster will attend as appropriate and/or requested.
Airport Master Layout Update Representative
Commission Representative that will meet with Executive Director regarding Airport Master Layout Plan update, including attending any meetings with consultant or public if needed.