AAHPA MEMBER RECOGNITION

Officer Mark Allen is hereby recognized as Haines Employee of the Year 2012 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.  Officer Allen’s attention to detail and enthusiasm is not only contagious with employee but with customers also.  Mark does each job thoroughly and completely.  He has embraced the Haines Facility Security Plan and has made sure that the Port of Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock meets all requirements as outlined in that document.  He is willing to go above and beyond to give the maximum customer service.  His demeanor and work ethic reflect great credit to himself, Haines Port and Harbors, and the Haines Borough. 

Thank you Officer Mark Allen for a job well done!

Administrative Assistant Johanna Young is hereby recognized as Juneau Employee of the Year 2012 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.
Ms. Johanna Young is recognized for her dedication, attitude and willingness to provide top-notch professional service to harbor patrons.  Ms. Young has been an outstanding addition to Docks & Harbors and specifically the Auke Bay staff since arriving in April 2010. She is known to many harbor customers as an extremely competent, hardworking front office Administrative Assistant. Johanna brings a very positive persona to bear when dealing with members of the public. Always projecting professionalism, she handles friendly and challenging customers, similarly and with great pose.  Raised in Pelican from a fishing family, she has terrific local knowledge and passes along insight to visiting boaters looking for a SEAK adventure. An excellent scribe for the Docks & Harbors Operations Committee, Johanna delivers precise and accurate minutes. When asked to research historical documentation, she thoroughly and willingly exhausts all avenues to provide answers.  Ms. Young is highly regarded and respected by all within Docks & Harbors and deserving of this recognition.

Administrative Assistant Sue Kurle is hereby recognized as Ketchikan Employee of the Year 2012 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.  As the lead member of the team that worked on the solicitation, review, selection and implementation of the department’s new marina management software system, Ms. Kurle’s insights were especially helpful during the vendor interview and the installation process and were critical to ensuring the department would have access and use of the most important data.  The new system substantially improved record keeping resulting in increased revenues that led to recovery of the purchase cost of the system in less than 8 months.  During development of both the Port and Harbors 2013 budgets, Ms. Kurle conducted a thorough review of the spending history for the past three years in all accounting categories and provided numerous recommendations for reductions or realignment in funding.  Ms. Kurle also was responsible for preparing and tracking all of the department’s purchase orders and all of the administrative paperwork to support the management of the departments 10 full time and 37 seasonal employees.

 

5th Annual Harbormaster of the Year Award 2011
Phil Benner, Harbormaster of Juneau, Alaska
Phil was without a doubt one of the best cheerleaders an organization could have. He held more staff lunch barbecues than the rest of city and state government entities in Juneau combined, often inventing occasions for lunch barbecues and making it mandatory for all staff to attend. He generously recognized his staff for their accomplishments and ensured everyone in town knew about it. Every morning first thing, he held an "all hands on deck" meeting to get everyone fired up for the day. His enthusiasm made it impossible for anyone not to enjoy working for the City and Borough of Juneau Harbors Department. Phil was also not afraid to get down in the trenches with his staff and there was no job in the harbor system that he would not do himself if necessary. This gained him immeasurable respect from his staff. Once he was even caught pulling a two hundred pound water vault cover off a manhole by himself so he could check a water meter to see if there was a leak in the Aurora Harbor potable water system; all this while wearing office cloths and with a bad back. Juneau was truly fortunate to have someone of Phil's caliber as Harbormaster. His contributions have made the Juneau harbor system better for everyone. His dedication to the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators as Vice President since 2009 has also been instrumental in the betterment of the organization as well as the operation and condition of many of Alaska’s public harbors.

4th Annual Harbormaster of the Year Award 2010
Marty Owen, Port Director/Harbormaster of Kodiak, Alaska
Kodiak Port and Harbor Director Marty Owen is hereby recognized as Harbormaster of the year 2010 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Marty has served as the Kodiak Harbormaster for over 15 years. His dedication to the industry has not only benefited Kodiak, but all Alaskan Harbors. He is a true leader whose management skills, drive, and passion for the boating industry led to significant changes in the way municipal harbors are operated. Marty was also one of the initial Incorporators of the AAHPA in 1999 and he has served many years as Treasurer. The many contributions Marty has made to Alaskan Ports and Harbors is exceptional and has earned him the upmost esteem of his peers.

3rd Annual Harbormaster of the Year Award 2009
Matt O'Boyle, Harbormaster of Skagway, Alaska
Harbormaster Matt O'Boyle of Skagway, Alaska is hereby recognized as Harbormaster of the year 2009 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Harbormaster O'Boyle continually demonstrates his dedication to the City of Skagway by always going the extra mile. His participation on the Skagway Volunteer Fire Department, ever ready to serve, responding to fire and emergency calls is just another example. Matt O'Boyle has earned the highest respect of Skagway citizens, harbor users and his peers.

2nd Annual Harbormaster of the Year Award 2008
Jim Stormdahl, Harbormaster of Petersburg, Alaska
Harbormaster Jim Stromdahl of Petersburg, Alaska is hereby recognized as Harbormaster of the year 2008 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Harbormaster Stromdahl has served over 30 years and his dedication to the City of Petersburg, and especially to his customers, has earned him the highest respect of boaters and his peers. Harbormaster Stromdahl is the epitome of what AAHPA stands for and clearly sets the standards high operating and maintaining his facilities for other harbormasters to emulate.

1st Annual Harbormaster of the Year Award 2007
Paul Dybdahl, Harbormaster of Honnah, Alaska
Harbormaster Paul Dybdahl of Hoonah, Alaska is hereby recognized as Harbormaster of the year 2007 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Harbormaster Dybdahl has served 25 years and built up Hoonah's facilities as the best small boat harbor in Southeast Alaska. His dedication to the City of Hoonah, and especially to his customers, has earned him the highest respect of boaters and his peers. Harbormaster Dybdahl clearly set the standards high operating and maintaining his facilities for other harbormasters to emulate.

Life Member 2012
Retired Harbormaster Ray Majeski of Sitka Alaska
2412 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, Alaska 99835 Home: 907-747-6456
E-mail: raynmaryonhpr@hotmail.com Cell: 907-752-1946
Harbormaster Ray Majeski of Sitka, Alaska is hereby recognized as Life Member by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Ray Majeski served Sitka as Sitka’s Harbormaster 11 years retiring in April 2009. He was dedicated to the City of Sitka and loved his work, representing Sitka as President of the AAHPA from 2001 – 2003. He also served as President of the Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers following his service to AAHPA. He worked with AAHPA, PCC and UAS Southeast to get the on-line courses for Port and Harbors Career Training implemented that are now being used by port and harbor personnel throughout Alaska. His good humor and jokes always brought a smile even when at the expense of one of Sitka’s Senators. His dedication to AAHPA was demonstrated by his accomplishments that benefit members of AAHPA and has earned him the highest respect of his colleagues.

Life Member 2012
Retired Harbormaster Jim Stromdahl of Petersburg, Alaska
Retired Harbormaster Jim Stromdahl of Petersburg, Alaska is hereby recognized as Life Member by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Harbormaster Stromdahl has served over 32 years retiring in May of 2010. His dedication to the City of Petersburg, and especially to his customers, has earned him the highest respect of boaters and his peers. He was a dedicated leader and loved his job. He saw many projects through for the betterment of all Boaters. Harbormaster Stromdahl is the epitome of what AAHPA stands for and clearly set the standards high operating and maintaining his facilities for other harbormasters to emulate.

Life Member 2011
David Bash, Harbormaster, King Cove, Alaska
David Bash is hereby recognized as a Life Member of the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. As the Harbormaster for King Cove since 2003, David has been actively involved with AAHPA serving as a Director on the AAHPA Board since 2004. His efforts were especially noteworthy as he was often one the few voices for Western Alaska. His dedication and concern for the improvement and wellbeing of all of Alaska’s harbors has earned him the highest respect of his colleagues.

Life Member 2010
Alan Sorum former Valdez Port Director/Harbormaster, Valdez, Alaska

Alan Sorum is hereby recognized as Life Member of the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Alan has been actively involved with AAHPA, serving one term as President while also serving as Harbormaster for Valdez from 1999 to 2005. He also hosted AAHPA Conferences in 1999 and 2005. From 2005 to 2007 he served as Valdez Port and Harbor Director. Alan was responsible for creating and maintaining the original AAHPA website and set up the group email list still used. Alan wrote “Northern Harbors & Small Ports: Operation and Maintenance as well as a Responsible Harbor Users Handbook. He is to be commended for his work on the UAF on-line courses for Port and Harbors Career Training that are being used by port and harbor personnel throughout Alaska. His dedication to the AAHPA demonstrated by his accomplishments that benefit members of AAHPA has earned him the highest respect of his colleagues.

Life Member 2010
John Stone, Juneau Port Director, Juneau, Alaska
Follow John’s sailing adventures by visiting http://www.sailblogs.com/svseychelles.com or email him at svseychelles@gmail.com

Juneau Port Director and AAHPA Past President John Stone is hereby recognized as Life Member of the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. John served two terms as AAHPA President and during that time helped frame and achieve passage of State legislation providing 1 to 1 State matching fund grants for repair of previously State-owned harbors that had been transferred to municipalities around Alaska. John’s leadership benefited numerous coastal communities in Southeast and across the State, and reflected well on Juneau as the capital city. Past President John Stone continues to work diligently to procure funding for the matching funds legislation recently achieving support from the membership of the Southeast Conference. The Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators hereby commends John Stone for the exemplary professionalism, hard work, intelligence, and dedication he has exhibited throughout his tenure as Port Director in Juneau, Alaska and a dedicated member of AAHPA.

Life Member 2008 Lou McCall, former Juneau Harbormaster, Juneau, Alaska

Former Harbormaster/Vice-President/Corporate AAHPA Member November 20, 2008 Lou McCall passed away after a long illness.  Lou served on the AAHPA Board for several years and was a mainstay for the annual meetings.  At the Haines meeting, AAHPA made Lou a Lifetime Member of the Association, the second time we have done that in our 36 years of existence.  Lou recently retired as the Juneau Harbormaster and also served as the Deputy Harbormaster in Sitka

Officer Mark Allen is hereby recognized as Haines Employee of the Year 2012 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.  Officer Allen’s attention to detail and enthusiasm is not only contagious with employee but with customers also.  Mark does each job thoroughly and completely.  He has embraced the Haines Facility Security Plan and has made sure that the Port of Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock meets all requirements as outlined in that document.  He is willing to go above and beyond to give the maximum customer service.  His demeanor and work ethic reflect great credit to himself, Haines Port and Harbors, and the Haines Borough. 

Thank you Officer Mark Allen for a job well done!

Administrative Assistant Johanna Young is hereby recognized as Juneau Employee of the Year 2012 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.

Ms. Johanna Young is recognized for her dedication, attitude and willingness to provide top-notch professional service to harbor patrons.  Ms. Young has been an outstanding addition to Docks & Harbors and specifically the Auke Bay staff since arriving in April 2010. She is known to many harbor customers as an extremely competent, hardworking front office Administrative Assistant. Johanna brings a very positive persona to bear when dealing with members of the public. Always projecting professionalism, she handles friendly and challenging customers, similarly and with great pose.  Raised in Pelican from a fishing family, she has terrific local knowledge and passes along insight to visiting boaters looking for a SEAK adventure. An excellent scribe for the Docks & Harbors Operations Committee, Johanna delivers precise and accurate minutes. When asked to research historical documentation, she thoroughly and willingly exhausts all avenues to provide answers.  Ms. Young is highly regarded and respected by all within Docks & Harbors and deserving of this recognition.

Administrative Assistant Sue Kurle is hereby recognized as Ketchikan Employee of the Year 2012 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.  

As the lead member of the team that worked on the solicitation, review, selection and implementation of the department’s new marina management software system, Ms. Kurle’s insights were especially helpful during the vendor interview and the installation process and were critical to ensuring the department would have access and use of the most important data.  The new system substantially improved record keeping resulting in increased revenues that led to recovery of the purchase cost of the system in less than 8 months.  During development of both the Port and Harbors 2013 budgets, Ms. Kurle conducted a thorough review of the spending history for the past three years in all accounting categories and provided numerous recommendations for reductions or realignment in funding.  Ms. Kurle also was responsible for preparing and tracking all of the department’s purchase orders and all of the administrative paperwork to support the management of the departments 10 full time and 37 seasonal employees.

2011 Haines Port & Harbor Employee of the Year
Joe Parnell
Joe Parnell is hereby recognized as Haines Employee of the year 2011 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.

The most significant element that Joe brings to Haines Harbor Department is a sense of anticipation in the harbor’s mission and getting things done without having been told to do so. He is dedicated to the facilities needs without worrying about the face if the clock. Joe is a dedicated employee upon whom I depend in thick and thin and in dark and wind.

Joe has met every challenge presented to him and has made every effort to improve his skills in harbor management.

Joe Parnell is truly deserving of being named Haines AAHPA Harbor Employee of the Year.

2011 Juneau Port & Harbor Employee of the Year
O.M. Supervisor Dwight Tajon
Operations Maintenance Supervisor (OMS) Dwight Tajon is hereby recognized as Juneau Harbor Employee of the year 2011 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.
OMS Tajon goes above and beyond offering customer service to Juneau boat owners. He is currently supervising the staff and maintenance of Statter Harbor in Auke Bay, which is Juneau’s busiest harbor. This transient facility sees a wide variety of fisherman, commercial operators, cruisers, charter operators and pleasure boaters and is particularly busy from May to September.

In addition, he headed up the refurbishing of the DeHart’s Marina. This included extensive repairs to the gangway as well as supervising divers and the repair of floats to make it safe for customers.
Dwight is the Juneau Docks and Harbors Department computer and communications expert getting the VHF repeater on line so communication can be established for all Juneau Docks and Harbors Facilities and worked closely with contractors to ensure that cranes, power and restroom facilities close and operate efficiently by remote operation.

Dwight Tajon is truly deserving of being named Juneau’s AAHPA Harbor Employee of the Year.

2011 Ketchikan Port & Harbor Employee of the Year
Assistant Harbormaster William Bousley

Assistant Harbormaster William Bousley is hereby named the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators employee of the year for Ketchikan for 2011. Following exceptionally cold temperatures in early 2011, Mr. Bousley was a key team member in finding and repairing numerous leaks to the potable water systems in several City harbors. He also assisted in the design, fabrication and installation of wooden frames for large harbor signs and maps at all 13 City owned harbor ramps. Mr. Bousley also worked with members of a local Rotary club to fabricate frames and install new life jacket lockers at every City harbor in support of the Kids Don’t Float program. On numerous occasions Mr. Bousley has also been the Department’s go to person in critical situations including vessels in danger of sinking or breaking loose from their moorings, especially during several severe storms in the fall of 2011.

2011 Seward Port & Harbor Employee of the Year
Melody Moline

Melody Moline is hereby recognized as Seward Harbor Employee of the year 2011 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators.

Ms. Moline has gone above and beyond her listed duties to assist fellow staff, city departments, local organizations and citizens in “doing business” with the Seward Harbor and Seward Marine Industrial Center. This included training two new staff in office on the marina program, harbor policies and office procedures, billing, slip placement, waitlist renewals, records retention and impound procedures. This past year she was key to successful transitioning the responsibility from the finance department to the harbor department for tracking all electric use, billing, and repairs for harbor electrical services.
Ms. Moline has assisted the Harbormaster and Deputy Harbormaster with Code of Ordinances and Port & Harbor Tariff updates and is efficient, logical, works independently to solve problems and is a valuable asset to the Seward Harbor Team.

Melody Moline is truly deserving of being named Seward’s AAHPA Harbor Employee of the Year.

2010 Wrangell Port & Harbor Employee of the Year Award
Maintenance Officer, Steve Miller of Wrangell, Alaska

Steve Miller is hereby recognized as Wrangell Harbor Employee of the year 2010 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Steve is the operator of Wrangell’s 150 ton Marine Travelift and yard manager of the Marine Service Center. He took the time to learn the art of running the lift safely and efficiently and taught others in the department to do the same. It seems relatively simple to just pull boats out of the water but to do it as efficiently and safely as Steve does has made it possible for this small department to take on this project and break even within the five year business plan.

Wrangell’s intent was to start this project as a way to retain existing and create new jobs for the community and offer vessel owners in the region a place to repair their boats. This project has created 12-15 new jobs while saving others and allowing business to start up and invest in Wrangell’s marine repair industry. Throughout the past four years Wrangell Harbor has been working very hard to make the Marine Service Center a success and Steve’s commitment to the project and hard work has helped make that happen. Steve Miller is truly deserving of being named Wrangell’s AAHPA Harbor Employee of the Year.

2010 Juneau Port & Harbor Employee of the Year Award
Harbor Officer, Dennis Holloway of Juneau, Alaska

Officer Dennis Holloway is hereby recognized as Juneau Harbor Employee of the year 2010 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Officer Holloway goes above and beyond offering customer service to Juneau boat owners. He has organized the daily berthing and winter hot berthing for all three of the downtown harbors. This involves over eight hundred vessels of various lengths and uses. In addition, he was responsible for the refurbishing of the Aurora Harbor gangway and has completed waste heat boiler school reducing oil and hazardous waste as well as maintaining the old waste oil burner and made recommendations to replace it. Officer Holloway is truly deserving of being named Juneau’s AAHPA Harbor Employee of the Year.

2010 Ketchikan Port & Harbor Employee of the Year Award
Dan Berg, Assistant Harbormaster of Ketchikan, Alaska

Assistant Harbormaster Dan Berg is hereby named the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators employee of the year for Ketchikan for 2010. In the fall of 2009 Mr. Berg assumed responsibility for developing and managing the waitlist for reserved moorage for all six of Ketchikan’s public harbors. He was then immediately tasked with coordinating the assignment of temporary moorage for all vessels on Thomas Basin floats 2, 3 and 4 during the project to replace all of the finger floats in early 2010. He not only developed a workable moorage plan but even personally assisted in moving over 70 boats whose owners were out of town for the winter. As a former commercial fisherman and charter boat operator he has been instrumental in improving the working relationships between the Harbor Department and key user groups resulting in an increased level of mutual respect and understanding. Never one to shy away from an opportunity to volunteer, Mr. Berg also assisted in the delivery by vessel of supplies in support of construction of a US Forest Service shelter at Black Sands Beach and of portable restroom facilities in support a dedication ceremony for the shelter. On numerous occasions Mr. Berg has also been the Department’s go to person in critical situations including vessels in danger of sinking or breaking loose from their moorings, especially during several severe storms in the fall of 2010.

2009 Ketchikan Port & Harbor Employee of the Year Award
Donna Ryan, Customer Service Representative of Ketchikan, Alaska

Customer Service Representative Ms. Donna Ryan is hereby recognized as Ketchikan Harbor Employee of the year 2009 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Ms. Ryan showed tremendous initiative this past year on a variety of projects that have improved service for Port and Harbors. Ms. Ryan's commitment to improving both the physical amenities and operational procedures in the Port and Harbors Department to the benefit of our customers has made her truly deserving of being named Ketchikan's AAHPA Harbor Employee of the Year.

2008 Juneau Port & Harbor Employee of the Year Award
Senior Operations/Maintenance Supervisor Robert A.Clauder of Juneau, Alaska

Senior Operations/Maintenance Supervisor Robert A. Clauder of Juneau, Alaska is hereby recognized as Juneau Harbor Employee of the year 2008 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Mr. Clauder has served the City of Juneau for over 25 years, working his way up through the ranks to his present position. His attention to detail, knowledge, experience and accomplishments throughout Juneau's Port and Harbor system have made him the single most outstanding employee for many years in the largest Port and Harbor system in the State of Alaska.

2008 Ketchikan Port & Harbor Employee of the Year Award
David Timmerman, Port Operations Coordinator of Ketchikan, Alaska

Port Operations Coordinator David Timmerman of Ketchikan, Alaska is hereby recognized as Ketchikan Harbor Employee of the year 2008 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Mr. Timmerman is tasked with overseeing the operations and security of the Ketchikan cruise ship docks. As one of the busiest cruise ship ports in Alaska, it has been recognized as having the most comprehensive and proactive security presence in Alaska. Through Mr. Timmerman's exceptional leadership and communication he ensured the port was operated securely, safely and efficiently, even on days when over 10,000 passengers flooded the downtown docks.

2008 Seward Harbor Employee of the Year Award
Deputy Harbormaster Jim Lewis of Seward, Alaska

Deputy Harbormaster Jim Lewis of Seward, Alaska is hereby recognized as Seward Harbor Employee of the year 2008 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Mr. Lewis has served the City of Seward Small Boat Harbor for over 21 years. He has demonstrated supreme leadership capabilities serving as Acting Harbormaster after the retirement of the former Harbormaster until the position was filled. His extensive knowledge of historical projects with the Seward Harbor and Marine Industrial Center has been integral to development planning for these areas. During 2008 he lead the department through several projects to include overseeing cleanup efforts for abandonded 55-gallon drums, $3.5 million dollar expansion project, travel lift extensions and upgrades, harbor vessel, dock and landscape improvement projects and new employee training.

2007 - 1st Annual Harbor Employee of the Year Award
Lon White, Deputy Harbormaster of Kodiak, Alaska

Deputy Harbormaster Lon White of Kodiak, Alaska is hereby recognized as Harbor Employee of the year 2007 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Deputy Harbormaster White has served the City of Kodiak for 25 years beginning his career as the port maintenance mechanic in 1982. Since 1994 he has served as the principal operations officer for all of Kodiak's Port and Harbor facilities. Deputy Harbormaster White's dedication to his staff and customers is clearly evident in the top-quality facilities he provides and maintains. Boat owners sincerely appreciate his attention to detail and friendly customer service. Deputy Harbormaster White freely shares his knowledge with other harbors via professional organizations such as the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators and Pacific Coast Congress. The impact of his expertise is evident at ports along the entire west coast.

2007 Bethel Harbor Employee of the Year Award
Harbormaster Peter Williams of Bethel, Alaska

Harbormaster Peter Williams of Bethel, Alaska is hereby recognized as Bethel Harbor Employee of the year 2007 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators. Mr. Williams has served the City of Bethel Harbor since 2003 first as Port Attendant until 2006 when he became the first Dock Operations Chief. In 2006 his title was changed to Harbormaster occasionally fulfilling the duties of Acting Port Director. Mr. Williams contributions to efficient and professional Port Operations for the City of Bethel cannot be overstated. Without question, he has provided the expertise, skills and leadership necessary to achieve the highest level of terminal operation proficiency.