Board of Directors

  • Steve's heritage includes generations of fishers and fish processors. A Washington native, he pursued a career in outdoor recreation, working as a park ranger, an outdoor educator, a land steward for the Whatcom Land Trust, and most recently as the Executive Director of Bellingham's beloved Community Boating Center. Steve's management and community development experience includes service on the Greenways Advisory Committee and the Whatcom County Transportation Committee. Steve brings an understanding of state aquatic lands' law and has a keen interest in promoting local maritime heritage and the interests of the marine recreation community.

  • Deborah Dempsey is an mariner and ship captain. She was the first American woman to graduate from Maine Maritime Academy, achieve the rank of Master Mariner, and command a cargo ship sailing internationally. She was the first and only woman to be a Columbia Bar Pilot, and first woman to be a regular member of the Council of American Master Mariners.

    She now lives in Bellingham and is involved locally with the Community Boating Center, YWCA, Working Waterfront Coalition, and Working Waterfront Foundation.

    Her passion is engaging youth in mentorship for maritime careers, and she helps teach at CBC as well as offers personal mentorship for youth.

  • Pete has an extensive background in the commercial seafood industry, having fished commercially in Puget Sound and Alaska and processed, sold and marketed seafood products for several companies and served as executive director for several fisheries trade associations working on government relations and policies regarding the fishing industry. He served as Director of the University of Washington Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program for fifteen years. Pete continues to fish commercially in Puget Sound as a reef-net salmon fisherman at Lummi Island near Bellingham, Washington.

  • Captain Todd Shuster the proud owner and founder of Gato Verde Adventure Sailing, a premier sailing charter company offering eco-friendly sailing experiences in the Pacific Northwest since 2003.

    In addition to his role at Gato Verde, Todd is a dedicated community leader. He serves as thefounding Board President of the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation.

    Todd is also a valued Board Member and past president of the Bellingham Community Boating Center, where he led the organization through the trauma of COVID and continues to contribute his expertise and enthusiasm to foster access to and a love of boating within the local community for people of all ages and backgrounds.

    Todd is deeply passionate about maritime and environmental education. With years of experience as a maritime educator, he has taught countless individuals the art of sailing, seamanship, marine ecology and vessel care. His teaching style is engaging and hands-on, allowing students to gain practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the maritime environment and the vessels required to access it. Whether instructing novices or seasoned sailors, Todd's enthusiasm and knowledge inspire others to explore and respect the ocean.

    Todd's maritime career is also distinguished by his experience in commercial fishing and processing, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities. Moreover, he is a pioneer in the electrification of commercial passenger vessels, championing sustainable innovation in the maritime sector. His efforts in this area have set new standards for eco-friendly marine transportation, reflecting his commitment to environmental stewardship.

    Through his various roles, Captain Todd Shuster continues to make significant contributions to the maritime community, promoting environmental stewardship, community engagement, and a love for maritime education.

  • Ficus feels blessed to have worked and played on the Salish Sea and around the Salish Sea basin for many years. Coming from a background in renewable resource management, he has worked as a research technician, fisheries manager, fisheries observer, and environmental educator. Currently, Ficus is a Bellingham based commercial fisherman, fish broker, and Bellingham Dockside Market fishmonger. He has a natural inclination toward wanting to share with others all the amazing things found in and around the Salish Sea. A particular passion is cooking with the wild harvest that comes from both land and sea.