Washington State Ferries seeking new leadership
Ian Sterling, spokesperson for WSF, said leading the ferry system is a challenging job. He explained Rubstello announced her retirement to staff on Friday. Sterling confirmed Rubstello is stepping down after recently learning she will become a grandmother.
Ian Sterling, spokesperson for WSF, said leading the ferry system is a challenging job. He explained Rubstello announced her retirement to staff on Friday. Sterling confirmed Rubstello is stepping down after recently learning she will become a grandmother.
“She’s been a great leader for us, has brought a lot of money to the ferry system, and she’s really proud of the work that she’s done,” Sterling said.
The ferry system is also experiencing staffing shortages due to a worldwide deficit of mariners, though Sterling said recruiting efforts are beginning to prove effective for WSF.
“We have invested in five new hybrid-electric ferries. The governor’s 2024 supplemental budget proposal funds the hiring of more licensed deck officers and funds 48 additional spots in the AB to Mate program so more ferry workers can fill those spots, and doubles the number of slots available to out-of-state mariners. It also funds additional staffing for each vessel to prevent missed sailing,” the governor’s office wrote in a statement.
“We’re going to see stories like this for the next few years where there’s a lot of expertise that is retiring. And so, it’s really important for agencies to do the best they can to record as much of that knowledge as they can, get people in positions where they can do effective transfer,” said said Ryan Avery, interim director of TRAC.
“Thinking about maintenance funding is really important and that’s something that’s not always focused on. New projects are exciting, ribbon cuttings, things like that. But sort of the unsexy part of transportation is maintaining the system you have,” said Avery.
“She’s going to stay here and make sure that person is equipped to take the reins,” Sterling said. “And what that means is probably an international recruitment effort to find the next head of Ferries. We’re the biggest ferry system in North America and one of the biggest and busiest in the world. So, we want to make sure we get the right leadership in here.”
