Sail Sand Point, Seattle’s Community Boating Center, located in Magnuson Park on Lake Washington, announced today that Mary Anne Ward will be stepping down as Executive Director in March. Mary Anne joined Sail Sand Point four years ago and has led the organization through a period of extraordinary growth.
Mary Anne came to Sail Sand Point from the Chicago Match Race Center where she ran such events as the World Match Racing Tour and worked with the Louis Vuitton World Tour. Prior to that, she raced sailboats competitively and saw first-hand how sailing and being on the water changes lives. In 1994 she started an education company which provided K-3rd grade education at parents’ workplaces. With this blend of education and sailing experience Mary Anne has led SSP to where it is today.
“It has been my incredible honor to lead Sail Sand Point for the last four years. Removing traditional barriers to the underserved communities of Seattle as well as teaching youth and adults the joy of being on the water has been wonderful. Programming has nearly doubled with over 11,000 users last year, we have developed a fully integrated adaptive program and participation in camps and classes is at an all time high. With growth like this it is clear that we need to renovate our boathouse and increase our facility space”, said Ward. “Although I do not have the experience to lead Sail Sand Point through the next phase of development I look forward to offering my full support as an ambassador to the organization.”
Andy MacDonald, President of Sail Sand Point’s Board of Directors, said, “Sail Sand Point has been very lucky to have someone as passionate and dedicated to our mission as Mary Anne. She has led the development of a strong team of managers, staff and volunteer board members who are prepared to work together with the new Executive Director to ensure SSP continues to thrive long into the future.”
Sail Sand Point will begin the search for new leadership this summer. The next Executive Director will guide SSP through its next phase of growth, including a major capital campaign to expand classroom space and improve the facility. The role will entail creating strategic partnerships with local government, businesses, and philanthropic individuals and organizations while maintaining a steadfast desire to fulfill our mission. More information is available here.