Molly Bold, a leader in a group advocating for commercial fishing, will join the Port of Grays Harbor’s senior management team as the new Westport business manager, the Port announced Tuesday.
In the newly created position, Bold will be responsible for operations, planning and management of the Westport Marina District properties, including the Westport Marina moorage facilities, upland properties, and public access facilities. She begins her new job Jan. 23.
Over the past three years, Bold successfully established and actively led the local non-profit group known as WEfish. Prior to her work with WEfish, Bold owned and operated a thriving local photography business. She and her husband, Ryan, also own Bold Fisheries, a fishing business that operates from California to Alaska.
“Bold’s experience in launching and successfully growing WEfish into the well-respected, community-based organization it is today is exactly the type of leadership needed to bring the Westport Marina District to its full potential,” said Port Executive Director Gary Nelson. “She has proven her ability to work effectively with the various fishery groups throughout the community, as well as local business owners. Her passion for seeing not just the marina district thrive, but all of Grays Harbor, will make her an asset to the Port, and the community as a whole.”
The WEfish organization grew out of a group of individuals who began meeting to discuss their interest in supporting the local commercial fishing community in the fall of 2013.
According to the organization’s Facebook page, what began as an effort to form a traditional fishermen’s wives association in Westport quickly transformed into an effort to support fishing families and community through promotion, education, outreach, and service. The name WEfish was chosen to represent everyone associated with the fishing industry, including families, businesses, and fishermen. The group’s goal is to promote the economic value of this massive industry, and to refresh and regain the sense of community pride that comes from generations of hard work and heritage.
