The event was postponed due to flooding and the flood response work by the Port in December.  The Port of Skagit played a key role in the local flood response, including supporting the 300 National Guard staff housed at Skagit Regional Airport; providing airfield support for Search & Rescue, Air Force, Coast Guard and Dept of Natural Resources teams; supplying hundreds of wooden pallets for sandbag distribution; coordinating the relocation of more than 2,000 cars from local auto dealerships to the airport and higher ground parking for school busses in La Conner; and helping stand up an animal feed and hay distribution site with volunteers.  Skagit Regional Airport, owned and operated by the Port of Skagit, is designated as an essential public facility by Skagit County, and is often used in emergency and/or disaster response efforts.

The flood response was just one noteworthy element in a list of accomplishments by the Port of Skagit in 2025.  Additional highlights included the expansion of the Port’s Granary facility in support of local agriculture, new trail construction at SWIFT Center with Skagit Trail Builders, preparation for dock replacement in the South Basin at La Conner Marina, the first major building renovation at SWIFT Center to establish the NW Innovation Resource Center’s IRC Lab-SWIFT, acquisition of three buildings at Skagit Regional Airport and Bayview Business Park, installation of major utility infrastructure at Watershed Business Park to prepare property for development, continuing to build broadband infrastructure into our rural communities, and public access improvements at La Conner Marina. The Port also hosted several community events in 2025 including a world-class airshow and establishing the first music in the park event at the SWIFT Center.

“Our team delivered an extraordinary year,” said Sara Young, Executive Director of the Port of Skagit. “They advanced major, complex projects across our properties while keeping daily operations running smoothly and finding new ways to deliver value to our community. That level of focus, professionalism, and teamwork is impressive, and I couldn’t be prouder of this staff.”

Several Port staff members were recognized for their contributions throughout the year.  The Port was happy to recognize and thank the following staff members for their achievements:  Nick Bitto for Exemplary Service, Joe Hayes for Notable Achievements, Jesse McCarty for Outstanding Safety, David Millenaar for Spirit of the Culture and Laura Schumacher as Brand Champion.

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Audra brings a vast amount of experience in strategic financial planning and leadership to the Port of Skagit, as well as a deep connection to the community.  Audra most recently served as the Director of Finance and Administration at the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) for eight years, where she successfully updated systems and processes across the organization to optimize effectiveness and efficiencies, as well as led strategic business programs and initiatives.

Through her work in the Skagit Valley, Audra has built a strong professional network while working closely with a variety of agencies, organizations, and non-profits.  “I’m thrilled to continue to work on behalf of the Skagit community,” Audra stated.  “This is an opportunity to further that work.”

Audra sees this role as a way to continue her community engagement and use that lens when considering how best to optimize the Port’s assets to better the community, the place where she calls home.  Audra has lived in the Skagit Valley for 30 years and is proud to contribute to the quality of life here through this new role.

As the Port’s Chief Financial Officer, Audra will be responsible for long-range financial planning for capital projects at the different Port properties, including La Conner Marina, Bayview Business Park, Skagit Regional Airport, SWIFT Center and the emerging Watershed Business Park.  Additionally, Audra will be a key member of the Port’s leadership team responsible for strategic direction, planning and oversight of the Port’s financial, risk management and audit functions.

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Since relocating to the Skagit Valley, Shaun has worked closely with a variety of agencies and organizations in our community and has connected with local businesses to support economic development needs in the area. Shaun is eager to learn more about the Port of Skagit’s lines of business and connect with Port tenants to build upon positive relationships while supporting business growth.

As the Port’s Real Estate Manager, Shaun will be responsible for leading the development and management of the Port’s real estate portfolio, helping to define the highest and best use of properties, and identifying target markets and industry sectors that align well with the Port’s strategic plan and priorities.  Additionally, Shaun will help support the diverse, long-range work being done at the different Port properties, including La Conner Marina, Bayview Business Park, Skagit Regional Airport, SWIFT Center and the emerging Watershed Business Park.

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A copy of the budget presentation can be downloaded HERE, or a printed copy can be picked up at the Port of Skagit Administrative Office at 15400 Airport Drive in Burlington.

The Port Commission will conduct a public hearing on the 2023 preliminary budget at its regular commission meeting on November 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.  Following the public hearing, the Port Commission expects to fix and adopt the final budget for the Port of Skagit for fiscal year 2023.

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Sara Young has been with the Port of Skagit for 14 years, serving in a variety of roles including Planning & Environmental Manager, Airport Manager and Director of Planning and Facilities.  Sara holds a Master’s degree in Soil Science from the University of Idaho, and earned her MBA from Washington State University.   Her experience and education will certainly help her lead the diverse work of the Port of Skagit, which includes the operations and advancement of Skagit Regional Airport, Bayview Business Park, La Conner Marina, the SWIFT Center, Watershed Business Park, the Port’s property in Conway, as well as opportunities in rural broadband and value-added agriculture.

“I’m very excited to take on this new role, and see where the Port will go next,” said Sara Young. “We have an excellent team in place, and the Port of Skagit is well positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”

Growing up in Marblemount, and then working in environmental and conservation fields early in her career has given Sara a deep appreciation for the landscape of our valley and its future.  Her 14 years of experience with economic development, and specifically her work in rural broadband on the local and state levels, has equipped her with both the understanding and motivation to bring even more opportunities to Skagit County businesses and residents.

“One of the hallmarks of a successful public entity is that it develops future leaders from our local people already within the organization,” Port Commissioner Kevin Ware explained.  “We grow our own here, and we are fortunate to have a very capable professional like Sara Young on staff who is highly experienced, can advance into this position, and lead in the same direction established by Patsy Martin.   The result of all that being, there will be a very seamless transition of leadership.”

Sara’s new role as the Port’s Executive Director has been part of the succession plan for the past two years, to provide a smooth and effective transition in leadership with Patsy Martin’s retirement.  The Port of Skagit works to bring economic development opportunities to our community and takes great pride in its promise to provide excellence in public service and leadership within a business landscape that inspires success and enhances the quality of life in Skagit County.

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Patsy began her career with the Port of Anacortes in 1987 before coming to the Port of Skagit as the Property/Development Manager.  She worked in several capacities before becoming the Executive Director in 2007.  Patsy’s dedication to the Port of Skagit’s mission of “Good Jobs for the Skagit Valley” is punctuated by a long list of accomplishments and accolades that include the creation of an innovative wetland protection program, the expansion of buildings, public assets and funding partnerships to support Bayview Business Park, Skagit Regional Airport and La Conner Marina, the development of the 10+ miles of nature trails through the Port, investing in critical infrastructure to support the value-added agriculture sector, the acquisition of the Northern State Hospital property and the statewide distinction as Port of the Year by the Washington Public Ports Association in 2018 to name a few.  More broadly, Patsy has led collaborative efforts to increase the effectiveness of ports through her strategic planning, relationship building, and leadership within partnering organizations.

“There are two kinds of Executive Directors in the Port world,” Port Commission President Kevin Ware explained.  “There are those who are placeholders who simply manage properties, and then there are those who see where the Port should go and make it happen—that’s Patsy.  She has always understood and embraced the Port’s job of encouraging economic development for our community, and that has made all the difference.”

At the June 8^th Port Commission meeting, Sara Young, the Port’s Director of Planning and Facilities, was officially named as Patsy’s successor and will formally assume Executive Director duties on September 1^st as part of this transition.

While Patsy’s leadership and presence will be missed on countless levels, she feels good about the position and strength of the Port of Skagit, as well as its future.  “I am blessed to have such an amazing team to work with over the course of my career here,” Patsy stated.  “I am thrilled to see where the Port goes next under Sara’s leadership.”

The Port of Skagit has spent the past year developing a succession plan in preparation for Patsy’s departure, with the goal of a seamless and effective transition that maintains the Port’s high-functionality and service to our community.

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Shuler has served on the Port Commission since 2010 in District 3, which includes Sedro-Woolley and eastern Skagit County.  During his time as Commissioner, his commitment to identifying and building opportunities for economic development and good family-wage jobs was steadfast.

“The Port has been truly fortunate to have a man of Bill Shuler’s experience and wisdom filling the role of District 3 Commissioner for the past 11 years, and he fully deserves a major part of the credit for all the things the Port has accomplished during that time frame,” stated Port of Skagit Commission President Dr. Kevin Ware.  “On a personal note, Bill has a dry, self-effacing sense of humor that has made him just a delight to work with.  We will all definitely miss his presence at our meetings next year.”

Shuler’s wealth of knowledge and professional experience contributed significantly to the Port of Skagit, most notably from his distinguished career of 27 years as the Executive Director of the Skagit County Community Action Agency and 10 years of service on the Sedro-Woolley City Council.   He also held pivotal positions with Skagit Valley College, the Washington State Office of Community Development, and Skagit County Planning Department where he authored the county’s initial overall economic development plan.

During his time on the Commission, Shuler led many initiatives that helped bolster the local economy and work force.  But with his heart firmly planted in Sedro-Woolley, seeing the revitalization of the former Northern State Hospital property holds special significance for him.

“I remember when Northern State Hospital was one of the biggest employers around,” explained Shuler.  “Having the campus reach its full potential again, for the benefit of our citizens, is something I’ve always pushed for.  Being a Port Commissioner gave me the platform and the partnerships to help make that happen.”

Shuler’s longtime vision of redeveloping the hospital property took a leap forward in July 2018 when ownership of the historic campus was officially transferred to the Port of Skagit from the State of Washington.

Shuler will not be seeking re-election to the Port of Skagit Commission when his term ends on December 31, 2021.  “I just think the time is right,” he said.  “While I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my outstanding co-Commissioners and the awesome Port staff, it’s time for new blood and fresh eyes.  As the saying goes:  All good things…”

The Port of Skagit has three districts served by three Port Commissioners, who are elected by the constituents in their respective district.

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A Project Manager position and an Environmental Planning Specialist position have been added to the Port team and are currently posted on the Port’s website.  The Project Manager position will provide support for a number of current and future construction projects at Port of Skagit properties.  The recent increase in private and public development projects, including the construction of hangar buildings, expanded apron surface and new tenant construction at Skagit Regional Airport and Bayview Business Park has led to the need for an additional staff person to support these and other projects, from start to finish.

Similarly, the new Environmental Planning Specialist position will support a variety of projects and help manage many aspects of the anticipated growth, including permitting, planning and environmental stewardship.

Development at the Port of Skagit in 2020 included the completion of two t-hangar buildings, built and operated by Dyberg Aviation, and new facility construction for Systima Technologies, an aerospace engineering and manufacturing company headquartered in Kirkland.  Port projects currently underway include the Mavrik Marine facility expansion at the La Conner Marina, the FAA-funded expansion of apron space at the southeast end of the airfield at Skagit Regional Airport, and two large, privately constructed hangars to help accommodate increased business jet traffic.   Projects in line to begin in 2021 include the construction of a new facility for Island Grown Farmers’ Cooperative, currently located in Bow, additional private development on the north end of the airfield and building renovation for new tenants coming into the business park.

The Port of Skagit’s mission is Good Jobs for the Skagit Valley.   The Port’s essential purpose is to contribute to the economic vitality of Skagit County through the development of facilities and infrastructure that support local commerce, trade and tourism.

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