Washington State Ferries Employee News

Watch the spring 2025 all-staff meeting recording from Thursday, March 20.

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

Reflecting on women’s progress in our workforce

In 1966, Sandra Watson worked for us as an onboard waitress and cook. In 1974, she became our first female engine room employee.

When Sandra started as a wiper, we only employed about 100 women, with just a few in mariner positions. 

In the 51 years since Sandra made history below deck, our workforce has expanded to include women in every role. This includes critical leadership positions throughout the fleet, terminals and even top leadership.

We’ve also worked towards becoming an employer who provides a welcome and safe working environment for people of all backgrounds.

“Every deck officer must ‘prove themselves’ so that aspect of the job is not gender biased,” says Capt. Janel Offley. “During my 24-year career I have rarely felt prejudiced based on my gender. If anything, my superior officers always encouraged me.”

We’re still by and large a male-dominated workforce. At the end of 2024, 22% of our employees identified as female.

Why does that matter? Because as we face crucial gaps in growing our workforce, we need to expand the candidate pool beyond the traditional. A strong, sustainable fleet requires a pipeline of people who reflect the customers we serve.

During Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the progress we’ve made and where we need to go.

Maybe you know a woman who’s looking for an interesting career. Let them know they can apply for our maritime credential scholarship. It covers the costs of a Transportation Worker Identification Card and a Merchant Mariner Credential – helping to jumpstart their career with us.

Let’s work to hire the next generation of “Sandra Watsons!” 

What’s New at HQ?

Greetings, WSF colleagues. I’m David Sowers, new Program Administrator for our System Electrification Program. I’ve worked with many of you in my previous role leading Terminal Engineering on projects like the terminal redesigns at Mukilteo and Colman Dock. 

Additionally, I’m also excited to welcome Anders Hammersborg in a new role as Deputy Program Administrator. Anders joins us after over 20 years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. 

We’re honored to work with you as we modernize and revitalize the fleet. 

I’m proud of the work that the System Electrification Program has done so far. In the next few months, we’ll reach several major milestones:

Contract to build new ferries: In April, we expect to receive bids for the construction of up to five new hybrid-electric ferries. In January, we issued prequalification letters to three prospective shipyards interested in building new 160-auto hybrid-electric ferries. This will be the first shipbuilding award in our journey to build sixteen new ferries by 2040. 

Wenatchee’s return: We also expect the Wenatchee to return to service early this summer. The governor recently announced that we are putting the conversion and propulsion upgrades on hold for the Tacoma and the Puyallup until after the World Cup in 2026. 

Terminals and electrification: We will also continue to make progress on design and procurement necessary to complete work at terminals. Terminal improvements will allow us to recharge our modernized fleet and maximize reliability and greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits from our hybrid-electric vessels. 

Your perspective has been crucial to this modernization program. I look forward to your input and support as we continue. Please email me or call 206-515-3701.

Employee Spotlight

Not all hazards are visible, but that doesn’t mean they go unnoticed. 

That’s where our Industrial Hygienist Walter Bennett steps in. He spends his time making sure the air, water and noise levels across our system meet the highest safety standards. His work protects us all and our customers.

Since joining WSF in February 2024, Walter has taken on many tasks. He checks on indoor air quality concerns, evaluates noise hazards on the ferries and at Eagle Harbor, and helps new employees get fitted with respirators.

He also spends time throughout the fleet taking water samples. Recently, Walter has been working to find ways to both ensure and improve water quality on our vessels. This has led to updates in testing protocols and maintenance procedures.

When a boat goes to a commercial yard, we now do testing before the boat receives any water. We’ve also increased how often we flush sediment from water lines and disinfect potable water hoses.

Walter says the most rewarding part of his job is the people. 

“We have so many amazing and talented people who work at WSF,” he said. “Work activities of the industrial hygienist are all about protecting the health and safety of our staff and those we serve. I’m proud of that.”

But health and safety improvements require change, and change can be challenging. 

“Even when we understand the goals, it can be frustrating to implement new processes,” Walter said. But that challenge is just part of the job for him.

When Walter’s not working to make WSF a healthier place, you’ll find him outdoors. He loves to explore Washington, camp by the beach, sightsee and sail on cruise ships.

No matter where the journey leads, Walter always finds a way to be close to the water.

All-staff meeting Thursday, March 20

There’s been a lot of ferry news and updates recently!

Get details at our next all-staff meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20. Just before it begins, click this link to join.

After a brief introduction, all the time will be dedicated to answering questions. Joining us will be Head of WSF Steve Nevey, Deputy Assistant Secretary John Vezina, Ferry System Electrification Program Administrator David Sowers, Senior Director of Fleet Operations Beth Stowell and Senior Director of Finance, Administration & Employee Service Todd Lamphere.

You can also email WSF Employee Communications to send in your questions ahead of time.

If you’re not able to join live, a recording will be posted at the top of our Ferry Tales webpage. That’s where you can currently view our last all-staff meeting. 

Employee Recognition

Suquamish engine crew

Relief Chief Engineer Val Lazarov, Assistant Engineer Julie Connelly, Oiler Brandon Maddock and Relief Oiler Matthew Darling were each awarded with a Shared Values Coin recently. The recognition was for their fast and effective help during an overnight elevator rescue in bad weather. They safely retrieved a trapped crewmember and kept operations running smoothly.

Ticket Seller/Attendant Michael Sprague

Michael Sprague received a Life Ring Award for his quick response to a recent medical emergency at Colman Dock. When he heard about an overdose, he ran with a medical kit to help. He worked with a security officer to give Narcan and kept the person awake until help arrived. His calm actions helped save the person’s life.

One question, big impact: A simple inquiry transforms receipt process

It all started with a simple question. Warehouse Foreperson Tim Jellison and Storekeeper Lead Nick Wakeman were reviewing our longtime practice of collecting and disposing of ticket receipts. That’s when curiosity struck our warehouse team.

Why do we have them, and do we have to keep them?

That question set off a chain of events that changed how we handle receipts.

For years, our warehouse crew collected and stored them. They believed they needed to be retained for a year before disposal. The process involved weekly collections, monthly pickups from terminals and eventual shredding.

But when Tim and Nick brought it to the attention of Inventory and Logistics Manager Ari Iliakis, it prompted a deeper look into the practice. Was this really necessary?

They reached out to WSDOT’s records retention team, who said that printed receipts were not official records – digital sales data was. This meant we didn’t have to keep or even print receipts unless a customer asked for one. Unfortunately, our ticketing system doesn’t allow sellers to skip printing them.

Because of this, we stopped collecting receipts. This saved space in the warehouse and cut down on labor costs. We’re now working with our vendor to update the ticketing system so receipts will only print when necessary.

In the meantime, we are properly disposing of the receipts already stored, following legal requirements and making our operations more efficient.

One question sparked a change that will save time, reduce waste and streamline our processes. This is the kind of culture we want – where employees speak up, challenge old practices and help make things better.

Who knows? The next big improvement might come from another simple question.

Ferryboat green: A color without a name

With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, we’ve been seeing green. Federal Standard 595 14090 that is!

The iconic ferry green of our vessels was chosen to resemble the lush evergreen shades that grace the Pacific Northwest.

It may come as a surprise, but this shade isn’t named, nor is it specific to our boats.

The color is mixed by Rodda Paint Co. in Silverdale. It is Federal Standard 595 14090 – otherwise known as safety green or just green.

While officially unnamed, many of our colleagues here refer to it as “ferryboat green.”

What’s Up at WSDOT?

On Wednesday, March 5, Julie Meredith was confirmed by the state Senate as the Secretary of Transportation. Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed her to the position on Jan. 15. Her appointment was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 27 and then confirmed by the full state Senate. 

In a recent staff message, Julie said she was “grateful to the Governor and the Senate for their confidence in my leadership and proud to lead this agency. I have dedicated my career to delivering results and building partnerships for all Washingtonians. I plan to continue that dedication as the Secretary of Transportation.” 

As part of her remarks to the Senate Transportation Committee, Julie shared how incredibly proud she is of the WSDOT team and the great work you do. She also said that it was our team’s expertise and commitment to WSDOT and ultimately those we serve that make us so successful. A recording of Julie’s presentation to the committee is available on TVW.

In the coming months, Julie plans to visit Washington State Ferries’ facilities, terminals and boats to meet with employees in person. 

Teamwork drives quick move into new Coupeville office

Coupeville terminal staff moved into their new office in February. It’s a big upgrade from their old, cramped space. But more than just move, the switchover showcased the power of teamwork across multiple departments.

In just one day, IT staff Jeremy Bill and Marlee Lucas set up computers, phones and camera monitors seamlessly. Teresa Curcio and Sandra Pelkey from revenue control monitored the relocation of the safes. Terminal Supervisor John Andrews and Terminal Attendant Traci Loftis coordinated logistics. From IT to operations, revenue control to vendors, everyone worked together to make the move a success.

The new office is housed in a trailer that was once a temporary ticket booth during Colman Dock construction.

PHOTO CAPTION: Our new Coupeville terminal office has 528 square feet of indoor space and 588 square feet of covered space that was added around the trailer. This is a significant improvement from the old office, which was also used for storage and as a break room.

Spokane engine crew responds to Kingston unmooring event

The Spokane engine crew acted fast to prevent a serious incident at Kingston terminal in January. 

While tied up for the night, they noticed unusual slack in the mooring lines and the ferry drifting away from the dock.

That’s when the crew quickly worked together to prepare the vessel for service. Relief Chief Engineer Michael Scott Maddox called operations and went to the wheelhouse. Oilers Jubal Forrester, Conrad Russel, and Relief Oiler Matthew Darling handled the lines and shore power cable on the deck. Assistant Engineer James Moyer controlled the propulsion system.

Working with terminal staff, they got Spokane back in place and secured it with extra mooring lines. Their fast action and teamwork prevented damage and kept the other Edmonds/Kingston vessel on time.

Safety Matters

Teams from several departments participated in an electric vehicle fire tabletop exercise in February. It was hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Other groups like Washington Office of Emergency Management, local fire departments, Washington State Patrol and BC Ferries also took part. 

The day-long discussion focused on available resources and how to work together in EV fire emergencies. They included scenarios for an event when the vessel can reach the dock and when it needs to be abandoned.

This exercise was the first step toward providing more training and exposure of our operations to our local partners. 

Welcome Aboard!

Recent engine hires:

• Taylor Craig
• Ryan Descoteau
• Artem Dikhtiar
• Peyton Elliott
• Max Hannam
• Daniel Ide
• Anthony Majcher
• Alastair Mclachlan
• Cory Ryan
• Joseph Schelbrack
• Samuel Stern

Recent Eagle Harbor hires:

• Kevin Parsons
• Philip Williams

Recent HQ hires:

• Spencer Albright
• Saida Johnson
• Chris Schilling

We’re Hiring!

Current job openings at WSF:

• Capital Program Development Specialist
• Quality Assurance & Quality Improvement Lead - Marine Operations

Nautical Numbers

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

1,114,109 total riders

• 588,547 drivers (with vehicle)
• 525,562 passengers and walk-ons

10,789 trips completed

57,471 service miles

98.8% of scheduled sailings completed (based on scheduled trips)

219 medical priority loads/medevacs

4 lifesaving events

86 whales spotted

From Our Social Media Feeds

Most popular posts on our X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram accounts in the month of February:

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