Washington State Ferries Employee News

Read the July 2025 edition of Ferry Tales, the Washington State Ferries employee newsletter.

Watch the all-staff meeting recording from Tuesday, May 20.

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

Wenatchee makes history

The ferry Wenatchee is back – and returning to service in July as our state’s first hybrid-electric vessel.

Getting the Wenatchee ready took hard work – a lot of it.

Our dedicated project team and more than 600 skilled workers from Vigor shipyard and our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility made it happen. They spent over a year replacing old parts, installing battery systems and improving how the ferry runs.

The deck and engine room crew have also spent considerable time training and testing the boat to make sure it’s safe and ready for the public.

A ship captain stands on the bridge as two people photograph or film him. — Capt. **Bob Merideth** speaks to the media in the Wenatchee wheelhouse during a July 10 press preview of the state’s first hybrid-electric ferry.

Tour guide explaining machinery to a group in a mechanical room with industrial equipment. — Relief Chief Engineer **Joseph Shipley** shows off the engine room of Wenatchee during a friends and family tour on July 10.

Upgrades included removing two diesel engines, adding 864 battery modules and running thousands of feet of cable.

Crews also gave the ferry a fresh coat of paint and cleaned the inside from top to bottom.

The Wenatchee is nearly 30 years old, and we want to keep it running for decades to come.

Hybrid-electric ferries will burn less fuel and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, Wenatchee could use 1 million fewer gallons of diesel each year once charging stations are built at the terminals.

Watch this video about the Wenatchee’s conversion and learn more about how we’re building a cleaner, more reliable ferry system for the future.

John Vezina
Deputy Assistant Secretary

What’s New at HQ?

We have a few changes on our executive team to share.

First, Senior Director of Fleet Operations Beth Stowell has decided to move abroad. We fully support her decision and wish her and her family fair winds and following seas on their next adventure.

When Beth leaves on July 31, her direct reports – the leaders of our Terminal Engineering, Marine Operations, Vessel Maintenance and Engineering and Safety Systems and Training departments – will report to me.

Meanwhile, we are working to fill two important jobs: Director of Marine Operations and Director of Vessel Maintenance and Engineering. When we hire a new Director of Marine Operations, Safety Systems and Training will report to that person.

We also welcomed three new executive team members this month:

Jenna Forty, Senior Director of External Relations, joins us from the Washington State Senate.
Christian Afful, Deputy HR Director, comes from WSDOT HR with deep experience in labor relations and employee programs.
Jacob Hiatt, Acting TSD Assistant Director, brings years of WSF IT leadership into this temporary role.

Please join me in thanking Beth for her service and welcoming Jenna, Christian and Jacob into their new roles.

Person with a long beard sitting in an open manhole on an asphalt surface. — **Kyle Ilk**
Infrastructure Supervisor

Employee Spotlight

Kyle Ilk has been part of Washington State Ferries since 2019. As an IT architect, he designs and manages technical solutions to meet our business needs. He also supervises the Infrastructure Services team responsible for server systems, networks, telecommunications and cybersecurity.

While it can be difficult work, the biggest challenge is balancing long-term strategy with the daily realities of keeping critical systems running. He compares it to maintaining the tracks while the train is in motion.

Kyle says his job remains interesting because he needs to constantly adapt to shifting priorities, tight timelines and evolving technology. The most rewarding part of his role he says is building and maintaining the stage where others perform their best work. When systems stay up, data stays safe and employees can focus on their goals without worrying about the tech, he knows they’re going well. Next time you’re seamlessly surfing the web for work research or logging onto your computer – you can thank Kyle and his team.

When not working, he’s camping with his kids and exploring the world through their eyes. He also volunteers as a diesel and steam locomotive engineer and restoration mechanic on the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad, flying drones to create detailed maps and imagery (aerial photogrammetry) and pushing the limits of what his 3D printers can do.

Employee Recognition

A group photo of people in a room with "Washington State Ferries" signage, holding certificates, with various flags in the background. — On June 5, service milestones for several employees were celebrated at an awards event in Anacortes.

Collage of two group photos, the top indoors with an anniversary sign, the bottom outdoors under a canopy near water. — Ticket Seller **Bill Fletcher** recently celebrated 50 years of service with WSF at a recent surprise party at Port Townsend Vineyards (top) and an event at our Port Townsend terminal (bottom).

Three women sitting at a table with bottles in front of them, smiling at the camera. — Congratulations to the many employees who retired recently. They include long-time staff like Ticket Taker **Kimm Shride** (left) and Relief Watch Supervisor **Marie Waterman** (right) (seen here with **Bahar Suseyi**).

Ferry family

Two men in uniforms smiling inside a ship's interior. — Capt. **Glen Hogarth** and his son **Trent** **Hogarth** teamed up recently. It’s the latest family duo on our boats. This summer, mother-son team Maria Mezich and Jeremy Williams are working Friday nights together at our Mukilteo terminal.

Building bridges in our community

Students from a Seattle Public Schools youth program have recently begun volunteering at our Colman Dock.

The Building Real-life Independent Daily Living and Gainful Employment Skills (BRIDGES) program helps young adults with disabilities get ready for life after high school.

At BRIDGES, students learn important skills such as how to live more independently and be part of their community. They get real-world experience by volunteering at different sites around Seattle with support from trained staff.

The students help customers at Colman Dock and learn about what it takes to work at a ferry terminal.

Crowded indoor terminal with people at turnstiles and yellow "BAINBRIDGE" doors. — BRIDGES students help customers navigate the turnstiles at our Seattle terminal.

“This is a great chance for them to explore new career paths,” said BRIDGES Teacher Justin Ellenson. “I hope they gain confidence, learn job skills and feel proud to be part of the community.”

Two students in the program shared what they’ve enjoyed so far.

“While I’m at Colman Dock I guide people through the turnstiles and help with tickets,” said James Roderick. “I like the views, the boats, and the smell of salt water. It’s calm here, and I want to learn more next year.”

“It’s a different kind of work experience, and I like that,” said Lily Meyer. “The people at the terminal are helpful, and I hope to keep volunteering next school year.”

With support from BRIDGES and opportunities like this one, these young adults are building the skills they need to lead full, independent lives. We look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come.

Have your say on future uniforms

Starting mid-July, our Uniform Review team will be visiting terminals and vessels to gather employee input on new uniform options.

During these visits, you’ll have the chance to see and feel the current and proposed uniforms – and share your thoughts on style, appearance, and materials.

Your feedback is an important part of the decision-making process. The team will compile everything you share and pass it along to the project team and union representatives for review.

A Quick Notice will be sent soon with specific visit dates and times. Don’t miss the opportunity to help shape what you wear on the job.

Email mailto:uniforms@wsdot.wa.gov if you have general uniform questions. For project information, send an email to the Uniform Review team.

What’s Up at WSDOT?

On June 17, Secretary Julie Meredith hosted an optional, all-staff town hall meeting.

More than 1,875 employees attended to hear members of our leadership team provide updates on our newly signed Transportation Budget, employee compensation changes, bills passed during the legislative session and updates on our new federal and state administrations.

The team provided a deeper dive into the 2025-27 biennial Transportation Budget, which was signed by Governor Ferguson on May 20. As discussed during the presentation, the budget provided $15.5 billion, of which $12 billion was allocated to WSDOT.

While some program budgets were reduced, and some projects delayed, the budget did allow for most of our current work to stay intact. We did not receive all the additional funding we needed to bring our transportation system back to a state of good repair, particularly for maintenance and preservation.

However, we are not directed to implement furloughs or layoffs like several other state agencies, and most employees will receive a modest wage increase.

Additional information about the town hall presentation is available on the intranet/Inside DOT. WSDOT employees logged into the system can access our intranet. If you are logged in and still unable to open the link, please contact WSDOT Employee Communications for assistance.

Big step in adding boats to our fleet

We’ve reached a big milestone in our work to build new vessels for our fleet.

Gov. Bob Ferguson recently announced the selection of Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build our first three hybrid-electric ferries. This is a big step in making our system cleaner, quieter and more reliable for the communities we serve.

Eastern Shipbuilding won the contract with a $714.5 million bid. These new ferries will each carry 160 vehicles. They will mostly serve our Seattle/Bremerton and Mukilteo/Clinton routes.

This contract helps us get closer to our goal of adding 16 new ferries by 2040. It’s exciting news for all of us who work hard to keep our system strong.

Once our terminals are ready with charging power, these ferries will cut emissions by about 90% compared to the older boats they will replace.

Speaking of terminal electrification, Kelly Casteel has joined our team as our new Terminals Engineering Manager. This new job was created to give strong leadership for our terminal electrification work.

Kelly has over 25 years of engineering experience and will help us improve our terminals as we get ready for a cleaner, hybrid-electric future.

Training Times

A group of 12 people in life vests and hard hats standing on a wooden dock with an overcast sky in the background. — Thirteen new hires recently completed Deck New Employee Orientation and are now working out in the fleet.

Start dates for upcoming new employee orientations

Deck

Monday, July 28
Monday, Oct. 6

Engine

Monday, July 28

Terminal

Monday, Oct. 6

Welcome Aboard!

Recent deck hires:

Jacob Andersen
Michael Cacano
Brian Clark
Eric Dudley
Coby Hamby
Walker Harrison
Janele Hartley
Mariah Heninger
Todd Kutter
Connor Maloney
Miguel Mencia
Matthew Nichols
Vincent Shenefelt

Recent engine hires:

Matthew Chase

Recent HQ hires:

Gerald Aung
Aaron Breitinger
Marshall Davis
Brian White

Safety Matters

Summer is here and we can expect periods of hot weather.

Our Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment Department reminds everyone to watch for signs of heat-related illness, protect yourself from the heat and stay hydrated.

Extreme heat means temperatures above 90 degrees with high humidity for two or three days in a row. It puts extra strain on the body and can lead to death.

Extreme heat causes more weather-related deaths each year than any other hazard. Refer to Safety Bulletin 01325 for more information and tips.

Annual WSDOT golf tournament Saturday, Sept. 13

The 61st Annual McCutchen Golf Tournament is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Highlander Golf Course in Wenatchee. This fun event helps raise money for the WSDOT Memorial Foundation.

WSDOT employees, spouses, partners, retirees and vendor sponsors are welcome. Guests can join too. You can sign up as a team or by yourself, and teams will be made if needed.

The tournament will be a four-person scramble. Registration starts at noon and the tournament begins at 1 p.m.

The cost is $100 per person, which covers greens fees, a golf cart, a meal and chances to win prizes. There will be awards for top teams, long drives, closest to the pin, raffles, a putting contest and a grand prize for a hole-in-one!

The last day to sign up is Friday, Aug. 1.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact our region’s reps, Joe Wettleson or Mike Sax.