Brandt Faatz, the director of the Center for Wooden Boats (CWB), located in Seattle’s South Lake Union, announced in a press release from early December that he would be stepping down as Executive Director. Faatz made his intentions known to the CWB board in September, but will serve as director until April 2020 if a replacement is not found sooner. During his tenure, the CWB has opened the new Wagner Education Center with its expanded classroom space and boat shop and made major changes to the annual Wooden Boat Festival.
Faatz has served as director during a transitional period for the Center as the cost of living in Seattle and operating expenses grew. In November, it was announced that the CWB would be operating with reduced staff for the winter. The move will off-set costs for the slower months and set the CWB up for a strong 2020 season.
“Leading CWB these past three years has been one of the most challenging and gratifying experiences in my work life,” said Faatz in a press release. “I love the organization and its community, and I feel I’ve been able to do something truly good here. I thank you all for the trust you’ve placed in me and the support you’ve given me in this role.”
