Change of leadership at the Islands’ Oil Spill Association

The IOSA sends along news about their new interim executive director.

The IOSA Board of Directors would like to share with the community the news that IOSA’s Executive Director Tony Parkin is stepping back from the position at the end of May. Current Board Member Paul Hamdorf has graciously agreed to serve as IOSA’s Interim Executive Director for the foreseeable future.

Tony came to the islands from Alaska at the beginning of 2021, and his energy and experience has been instrumental in helping IOSA grow and mature as an organization.

Highlighting the difficulty of his decision, Tony explains, “Sometimes life throws you a surprise and you need to make changes, but I’m stepping back with tremendous appreciation for the mission and future of IOSA and for the incredible islanders I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since being here. My family and I will continue to call the islands home, and I look forward to being an active IOSA volunteer down the road.”

IOSA Board President J Havner, from Lopez Island, reflects the thinking of the entire Board when expressing his appreciation. “Tony came to IOSA, rolled up his sleeves, and accomplished an enormous amount of work in a short amount of time. The organization is going to benefit tremendously from the foundation he has built.”

As the incoming Interim Executive Director, San Juan Island resident Paul Hamdorf brings an entire career’s worth of spill response experience. Paul retired as a senior spill responder from the State of California’s Office and Spill Prevention and Response, and has been doing contract work in spill response management since leaving public service.

Hamdorf detailed his approach, “My goal is to build on the great work already done and ensure that IOSA remains a reliable early response to spills in the islands and continues to grow in capacity and capability. With the summer boating season ramping up, IOSA is ready to support local marinas, fuel docks, and our state and federal partners with protecting the islands.”

Islanders interested in learning more about IOSA and upcoming training opportunities, including an oiled wildlife training on San Juan Island on May 21 should visit the IOSA website.

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