Port of Everett's Kate Anderson Named One of Boating Industry's '40 Under 40'

Kate Anderson, Communications Specialist for the Port of Everett, has been named one of Boating Industry magazine’s 2021 ‘40 Under 40’ – a notable recognition given to accomplished young leaders in the boating industry.

Anderson is one of 40 industry professionals to make the list among hundreds of nominees nationwide.
Click here to view Boating Industry’s 40 Under 40 feature.  

“It was such a surprise and honor to be recognized as one of Boating Industry’s 40 Under 40,” Anderson said. “I’m so thankful for the mentors I have in the industry, who have encouraged me to reach for my goals. I hope this encourages other young people to get involved in boating and not be afraid to ask questions, as it is a growing industry with so much career potential.”

Anderson, 28, joined the Port of Everett in 2018 as the Marina Customer Service Representative. She was quickly tapped to fill her current role as Communications Specialist supporting the Public Affairs division where she is responsible for a variety of communication and outreach functions across Port business lines, from marketing and business development efforts for the international Seaport to event coordination and stakeholder engagement at the destination waterfront and Marina.

As a boater herself, Anderson brings a personal and professional passion to the industry. She started boating with her dad before she could talk, and she grew her love of boating and fishing in the San Juans, where she still takes her 1968 Performer runabout, Lil’ Red, which she restored herself and has been featured on King 5’s Evening Magazine special about millennials getting into boating. 

Her enthusiasm continues to create positive impacts for the boating community here in Everett. Boaters have her to thank for the recently enhanced guest moorage experience with her recommendation to implement DockWA, a convenient boater reservation system that has proved especially valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic as a no-contact option.

She has also taken the lead on new initiatives, as well. Taking note at the Port of Everett’s lack of a boat share option, she effectively recruited Freedom Boat Club, a membership-based boat share club set to open at the Marina this summer.

Anderson is a key player in boater communications, including the Port’s marina newsletter and Marina Forum, and is involved with industry events and organizations that the Port participates in, including the Seattle Boat Show and Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters. She also sits on the board of the Everett Coho Derby, the largest fishing derby on the West Coast.

Lisa Samuelson who works in public relations for the Seattle Boat Show and Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA), nominated Anderson for this recognition, noting, “Kate is who every organization should hope to have as the face of boating to promote the boating industry and lifestyle.”

Prior to her time at the Port of Everett, Anderson worked in various roles at Roche Harbor Marina and Elliott Bay Marina. She also represented NMTA as Membership Director, where she helped manage two floating boat shows and co-lead the Northwest Marina & Boatyard Conference.

Anderson is a recent graduate of the Leadership Snohomish County Young Professionals program, and in 2019, she was recognized with a Young Leader Award from Marina DockAge magazine for her contributions to the marine industry.

For additional information, contact Catherine Soper, Public Affairs Manager, at 425-388-0680 or by e-mail at catherines@portofeverett.com.

###