PORT HADLOCK — The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding has found its next executive director in Rebecca Benjamin following a national search.

“She’s accepted our offer, and we’re locked in and ready to go,” said Sonja Mathews, board president of the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building (NWSWB).

The search narrowed 25 candidates down to one, Mathews said.

Benjamin, who already lives locally, will start June 3.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Benjamin to the school this June,” Mathews said. “Our candidates came from all over the country, but we concluded the search with the right person in our own backyard. We look forward to a seamless transition. After several years of planning, it’s very exciting to start this new phase of the school as we approach our 45th year.”

Benjamin previously was the executive director of the North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC).

“Over the last 18 years, Rebecca grew the North Olympic Salmon Coalition from a grassroots organization into a regionally significant leader in salmon recovery,” Mathews said. “In her work at NOSC, she developed many of the skills needed for this new challenge: team leadership, strategy, fundraising, hands-on learning, smart financial oversight, and a keen knowledge and respect for the power of community.”

Currently on sabbatical, Benjamin said in a press release that she’s inspired by the school’s board and staff and considers it a privilege to be chosen for the role.

“I’m excited to take on a new leadership challenge in my role as Executive Director of the NWSWB,” Benjamin said. “The mission enriches both the community and the lives of individuals. Joining the team in June, I’ll be taking care to balance learning, leadership and ensuring the best possible education for students in the boatbuilding and marine systems programs.”

As a part of her onboarding, Benjamin presented a 30- , 60- and 90-day plan to the school’s board, Mathews said.

“We were very pleased with how she emphasized getting to know the business,” Mathews said. “Working side by side with (current Executive Director) Betsy (Davis) for a few weeks for a joyful handoff. Meeting with staff, meeting with key stakeholders, board members and moving forward mindfully. We like that.”

The school is strong, and leadership wants it to remain strong, Mathews said.

“We want someone to come in and uphold the plans that we have and, when prudent, make new plans,” she said.

By the time of her retirement, Davis will have been with the school for 11 years.

NWSWB was founded in 1981. In addition to maintaining a program for traditional wooden boatbuilding, the school has added a marine systems program during Davis’ tenure.

The program recently received a $1 million grant out of $35 million in grants distributed by the North Olympic Recompete Plan. Grant dollars will go toward doubling the size of the marine systems program over the next five years.

To learn more about NWSWB, its programs, admission process or history, visit https://nwswb.edu.

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Reporter Elijah Sussman can be reached by email at elijah.sussman@sequimgazette.com.