Friday Harbor Port Commissioner Mike Ahrenius recently concluded a five-year term on the executive committee of the Washington Public Ports Association, which included a year-long term as WPPA president, in 2010.

Ahrenius has been a port commissioner, an elected position, since 2002. The port manages and operates Friday Harbor Airport, Friday Harbor Marina, Spring Street Landing and Jackson Beach Park.

Formed by the state legislature in 1961, the public ports association works with all 68 ports in Washington state to promote interests of the ports through government relations and advocacy of economic development. The association also conducts numerous workshops and meetings to help port commissioners and port staff abreast of legal and financial issues related to port operations.

The WPPA executive committee is responsible for the general administration and oversight of association’s staff and programs.