Valued IOSA Volunteers and Supporters,

IOSA Executive Director Recruitment:

On June 1st, IOSA released a job posting for the Executive Director position. The person who fills this role will be the primary coordinator for IOSA’s ongoing development and operations, working closely with the Board of Directors. As most of you are aware, that’s no small or simple job. This is an exciting moment for IOSA, and one that is the result of hard work by a large team of volunteers. However, it is just a starting point, with a vision that IOSA will continue to grow and refine its capabilities in the months and years to come. The posting is online at: https://iosaonline.org/employment/

Planning for IOSA Operations Base:

As part of a partnership between IOSA, the Port of Friday Harbor, and San Juan County, plans are underway to construct a dedicated marine spill response base at the Port owned Jensen & Sons Marina property in Friday Harbor (image below). This will be a facility with an office and storage space and it will include a large room that can support both training and a potential command post in the event of a spill. It will also include maintenance space for boats and trailers, parking, and dock space. More details are available at: 
https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/20420/200520-Media-Release-IOSA-OPS-Base

IOSA In The Covid Era:

As for so many, the ongoing impacts of this public health crisis have impacted IOSA operations. HAZWOPER and wildlife response classes scheduled for May were cancelled, and the sort of collective volunteer efforts that are the backbone of IOSA are on hold.  IOSA was able to hold a virtual 8 hour HAZWOPER training in May with instructor Brian Johnson that was remarkably effective and useful. We’ll continue to monitor developments as we slowly reopen, and look forward to some good old fashioned in-person training and drills later this year.

A heartfelt thanks to all of you for your continued involvement, patience and support as IOSA continues to grow and change.

Please take care of yourselves and stay healthy!