Leadership updates from the Carpenter’s Boat Shop

Sarah Highland

Dear Friends of the Boat Shop,

This season has brought many changes to the Carpenter’s Boat Shop. Under the leadership of Sonia Turanski, Covid-19 protocols were put in place, a new two semester curriculum has been developed, new staff were hired, boats were sold, using her significant writing skills, many grants were completed, and the campus received a much-needed sprucing up. Sonia has contributed many good ideas, serving with creativity and great care for the integrity of our mission. She has also been an active neighbor to many of us. After returning from a recent trip, Sonia has decided to leave the boat shop. We all wish her well where ever her path takes her.


We are very pleased that Sarah Highland, a member of the Boat Shop family for more than a decade, has stepped up to the role of Interim Executive Director. Sarah’s steady hand on the tiller gives the organization much needed time to conduct a search for the next Executive Director. Sarah’s skill with hands on education has always been a great asset to the Boat Shop and the apprentices who learned from her.


We also say, with appreciation, good bye to Jim Austin. Jim has been our board chair for these last several months and used his long history and involvement with the Boat Shop to help guide us forward. Ken Elowe, a board member veteran for over 20 years has graciously taken on the role of Interim Board Chair. Ken’s most recent work as a Board member was leading the Strategic Planning project. Ken effortlessly combined board members, staff and community members to plan our next years for the Boat Shop.


Just as seasons change, so do organizations. We hope you will welcome our new leadership team. Stay connected to follow our progress.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors of the Carpenter’s Boat Shop