Washington State Ferries Employee News

Watch the winter 2025 all-staff meeting recording from Thursday, Jan. 21.

Have an idea for this employee newsletter? Email WSFEmployeeComms@wsdot.wa.gov.

Recent results of culture change

When departments come together to solve problems, everyone wins.

We recently completed three projects to help us be more resilient as an agency. They are the result of great ideas, creative thinking and dedication.

Tuition wage reimbursement

It used to take forever to get reimbursed for tuition wages.

Why is this so critical? Because a longer wait creates a barrier for those who wish to get the licenses they need to advance their careers.

In collaboration with training, vessels, engine, terminal and accounting, the process was reduced by over 120 days. There are also fewer forms to fill out and less pressure on our port captains and port engineers.

Watch for a fleet advisory soon with updated information for your next tuition reimbursement. 

Freeze event preparedness 

During last February’s record cold temperatures, our entire ferry system was put to the test. From burst pipes to confusion about where to get road salt, our terminal employees said, “We need better resources.”

Thanks to a lot of wisdom from past experiences we now have a robust Severe Weather Contingency Plan (PDF 1.5MB) It includes a system to track real-time conditions at the terminals and on vessels, and resources like a preparedness checklist, write ups from past freeze events and key contact information.

EKG (Experience Knowledge Gap) working group 

It might sound like a heart monitor, but it’s actually a group of proactive fleet members! With many experienced employees retiring, there’s a need to document their knowledge.

Through this project, we created the Emergency Response Assistance Program (PDF 410KB) team. They help fleet personnel with drills and training to make sure the appropriate actions are taken during emergencies. The team worked with every watch on every vessel of the fleet – amazing!

Since it was so successful the operations team is looking at conducting this exercise again in 2026.

Got a great idea? Send an email to employee communications or let your Route Focus Group representative know. 

What’s New at HQ?

We’re excited to share news about our Ticketing and Reservations Modernization (TRM) Project!

The project will make big improvements to how we handle ticketing and reservations. These changes will create a better experience for both you and our customers.

The new system will keep the features you like while making things faster, safer and easier to use.

By combining ticketing and reservations into one system, we’ll simplify the process for everyone.

Customers will see a fresh, modern website and app, easier ways to pay, and better account tools at kiosks. These updates will also help reduce wait times at tollbooths and turnstiles, making travel smoother and faster.

Our current system is 15 years old and no longer meets the needs of our growing customer base.

The new system will use updated devices and software to make things work better, improve tracking and make customers happier.

Testing will start in May 2025 at the Port Townsend and Coupeville terminals, with the full system expected to launch by June 2026.

All terminals will get the new system, but vehicle reservations will stay on the current routes for now.

The project is being led by Anchor Operating Systems, a trusted company that also works with other ferry systems like New York City Ferry. We hope to connect this system with Good to Go! in the future, though that will take some time.

If you have any questions, email the TRM Project.

Thank you for your support as we work to make things easier and better for everyone!

Employee Spotlight

We recently established eight apprenticeship positions at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. Jose Ramos, an apprentice in the pipe shop, earned one of those roles and joined our workforce last summer. 

In a day in the pipe shop, Jose and about a dozen other staff members work on a variety of projects. He works on one of the vessels tied up at Eagle Harbor, helping with everything from fixing toilets to engine piping to mechanical tubing on board.

“It’s great,” said Jose. “I prefer working with my hands a lot and having to problem solve.”

Jose was working with a local rental car company a few years ago. In his job there, he delivered equipment to pipe shops and became curious. Jose spoke with a pipefitter and learned about the opportunities in the field. After connecting with others in the industry, he applied for the apprenticeship and earned the position last year.

When he started, Jose had little knowledge about pipefitting. He has spent time observing the appointed journeymen in the shop, learning about the thousands of parts housed there.

“I have a great group that is always willing to teach me new things,” said Jose. “They want to pass on the skills they’ve picked up over the years.”

For those interested in becoming an apprentice, Jose has a few suggestions.

“Always have a notepad with you,” he said. “Ask questions and understand that there’s always a reason for why we do things a certain way. It’s a matter of putting yourself out there and taking initiative to start working on projects.”

Away from work, Jose enjoys spending time with his family fishing and hiking. Grilling out in the summer is another favorite hobby. 

As for future plans, Jose hopes to share what he learns with others.

“I would like to eventually become an instructor,” he said. “I wish they would have taught me something like this in high school so it’s a goal of mine to open up shops in high schools to give kids the options to learn trades.”

Employee Recognition

Able-Bodied Sailor Anita Burns received a Shared Values Coin recently for showing compassion and understanding to a customer whose vehicle did not start upon arrival in Seattle. She helped to jump start their car, getting her and her passengers, which included an 83-year-old and several children.

Each member of the Jan. 7 Bainbridge E Watch earned a Shared Values Coin for their outstanding professionalism and teamwork during the rescue of a disabled small craft near Eagle Harbor. Their swift response, seamless coordination and unwavering commitment to safety exemplified the highest standards of maritime service. Kudos to Capt. Erich Ackermann; Chief Mate Mark Knue; Second Mate Ty Nausid; Quartermaster Mark Freiboth; Able-Bodied Sailors Aaron Fenwick, Charles Vigil, Todd Bowden and Stephen Kock; Ordinary Sailors Amelia Taijeron, Kevin Porter, Philip Siegfried, Jason Gartner and Andrew Chase; Chief Engineer Warren Zeitelhack, Assistant Engineer Thomas Arnesen, Oilers Steven Welt and Aaron Breitinger; and Wiper Michael Cheek.

@wastateferries now on Instagram

We’re launching on Instagram Friday, Feb. 14! Follow us at @wastateferries, use #wsferries and tag us in off-the-clock WSF-related content to help us grow our online presence.

Employees use creativity to showcase Lego aboard Issaquah

When Wayne Hussey donated his Lego model of our ferry Issaquah to us, it sparked a challenge. But our workforce turned a difficult task into a rewarding project.

Safely placing this detailed replica on the real ferry showcased our staff’s creativity and teamwork.

First, we needed a display case for the Lego masterpiece. Several Eagle Harbor employees helped to custom build one, including General Manager Tim Clancy, Shipwright Foreperson Steve Weible, Shipwright Journey Michael Dryden and Carpenter Shop Vessel Lead Rick Northon.

Next, we needed to get this large display case on board. That’s when Vessel Maintenance Manager Devin Dawson, Vessel General Foreperson Mike Berg and Terminal Supervisor Ursula Shoudy stepped in. They developed a plan to roll it aboard using the overhead walkway at Bainbridge terminal while Issaquah was docked there. 

Once the boat returned to Eagle Harbor, the team carefully positioned the model in the display case, which proudly sits inside the vessel’s passenger cabin.

Watch recent winter all-staff webinar; virtual community meetings up next 

We had our first quarterly all-staff webinar of 2025 on Jan. 21. If you missed it, we posted a video online. 

Up next, we’re hosting two virtual community meetings for the public at noon Wednesday, Feb. 12, and 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13. If you’re interested in tuning in, advanced registration is required.

Recordings will be posted to our community participation page.

What’s Up at WSDOT?

Julie Meredith became Washington’s Secretary of Transportation in mid-January, but she’s not new to WSDOT. 

From starting as a technician, to a professional engineer, to now being named the Secretary of Transportation, Julie has spent her entire 36-year professional career at WSDOT.

Over the last two decades, Julie has managed the Puget Sound’s most complex and high-profile transportation projects.

Highlights include improving the State Route 520 corridor across Lake Washington with the world’s longest floating bridge, replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and improvements along the I-405, SR 167 and SR 509 corridors. She’s also led regional mobility management programs – including WSDOT’s partnership with Sound Transit to deliver historic system expansions – and has overseen tolling operations and management, including toll operations for the new interstate bridge connecting Washington and Oregon.

In recent communications with staff, Julie has shared her commitment to delivering for the residents of Washington, as we have done time and time again. She intends to continue planning for the future, working to be more inclusive and expanding access to everyone. 

She acknowledged that we are in challenging times, not only with normal transition changes at the federal and state level but also with state budget shortfalls. “Change can be stressful,” she shared, “especially the unknown,” but she assured staff that her time at WSDOT has taught her that, together, we can and will overcome the challenges we face.

Julie’s appointment began on Jan. 15. In Washington state, the governor appoints cabinet position leaders who start work upon their appointment date. Julie’s confirmation process first requires a hearing with the Senate Transportation Committee, which has been scheduled for Feb. 25. If approved by the committee, the full state senate will vote at a later date on her confirmation. With their approval, Julie will be officially confirmed.

Teamwork powers Wenatchee touch-up

Wenatchee is getting a touch-up thanks to a fantastic self-help initiative driven by teamwork.

Employees from deck, engine, terminals and Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility shore gang have joined forces to paint the vessel’s topsides while it’s out of service for propulsion system upgrades and hybrid-electric conversion.

This ongoing maintenance is essential to keep our vessels the vibrant icon of the seas we know them as.

This coordinated effort just goes to show that teamwork makes the green work!

Safety Matters

To prevent slips, trips and falls in winter conditions, employees should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice and spread deicer before the storm. Below are some additional precautions to help reduce injuries: 

• Wear proper footwear when working in cold weather. Insulated, water-resistant boots with rubber treads are essential during winter storms. Consider using layered socks for added warmth.
• For terminal employees, our warehouse has traction devices available for snow and ice. These devices fit easily over shoes, improving traction.  
• Also, be mindful of black ice in shaded areas and always use handrails when possible. 

Welcome Aboard!

Recent deck hires:

• Robert Beck
• Michael Geroux
• Naomi Himley
• Amy Moyers
• Mikaela Obert
• Benjamin Pentz
• Alex Pitz
• Grayson Walker
• Jessica Ward

Recent engine hire:

• Scott Campbell

Recent terminal hires:

• Sean Bailey
• Maple Baley
• Jeanine Ballenger
• Shawn Burns
• Janet Caddey
• Kary Caldwell
• Leanna Covert
• Andrew Cromie
• Dylan Dolby
• Tomania Dunlop
• Brandon Elm
• Michael Galanti
• Phillip Higgins
• Seth Jordan
• Annalise Litchard
• Ronald Lnenicka
• Eileen Lomer
• Prescott Mabbutt
• Jorge Martinez
• Richard Mello
• Jake Morehouse
• Gregory Myers
• Blake Pablo-Jerome
• Tracey Payne
• Krista Pedersen
• Virginia Peterson
• Jana Raines
• Adam Runestrand
• Melissa Shenefelt
• Michael Waite
• Kirsten Weaver
• Christopher Wilcock

Recent Eagle Harbor hires:

• Matthew Maier
• Dennis Saulsberry

Recent HQ hires:

• Isela Chavez
• Sandeep Kaur
• Ali Khurshid
• Ruth Merrick
• Thomas Morris
• William Sanowski
• Steven Scharnhorst
• Jenn Sifferman

We’re Hiring!

Current job openings at WSF:

• On-call Deckhand
• Mechanical Marine Inspector Specialist
• Vessel Project Engineer
• Journey Locksmith
• Marine Electrician Apprentice
• Marine Pipefitter Apprentice

Nautical Numbers

Here are some numbers that recap what we did in January:

1,287,652 total riders

• 675,329 drivers (with vehicle)
• 612,323 passengers and walk-ons

12,024 trips completed

63,801 service miles

99.5% of scheduled sailings completed (based on scheduled trips)

240 medical priority loads/medevacs

8 lifesaving events

41 whales spotted

From Our Social Media Feeds

Posts with most engagement on our X and Facebook accounts in the month of January:

Have an idea for this employee newsletter? Email WSFEmployeeComms@wsdot.wa.gov.