Mailing Address:
PO Box 1, Allyn, WA 98524
Physical Address:
18560 E. State Route 3, Allyn, WA 98524
Phone: 360-275-2430 • Email: info [at] portofallyn [dot] com
Executive Director: Lary Coppola
Operations Manager: LeAnn Dennis
Security Officer: Travis Merrill
Maintenance: Don O’Keefe
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What is a Port District?
Port Districts are ‘quasi governmental’ agencies (like fire districts and park districts) which are formed by a vote of the residents in an area to tax themselves to promote and support economic development.
Why do they call them “ports” when some port districts don’t even have a dock?
When port districts were first established to support economic development they were formed around docks because that was the center of commerce and trade. When roads, railroads, and airports were built providing other means of transporting goods and providing services their focus changed but the name stuck — thereafter any geographical area could be designated as a ‘port’ district by a vote of the people whether it was on a waterfront or not.
Why Port of Allyn?
In the late 1800’s and through the early part of the 1900’s all commerce, passenger traffic, supplies & mail came and went from the Allyn Dock. It was the commercial center of North Mason. When the Port was formed in 1921 Allyn was the center of economic development for the North Mason County area. (the district covers most of North Mason County) The town of Allyn was named after Judge Allyn from Tacoma who had been active and influential in the development of the area. After 88 years and numerous commissioners, many changes have taken place in the Port district but Commissioners have consistently chosen to honor Judge Allyn and the historic name.
What do Port Districts do?
Their primary function is to promote and support economic development. Ports can engage in almost any activity that provides jobs, supports local business, or facilitates economic growth and stability in their district. How each port does this depends on the particular port district. Some specialize in international trade (such as Seattle and Tacoma) others build business parks, and still others support local businesses by promoting tourism and providing recreational opportunities. Since tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world and Washington State has abundant opportunities for recreation nearly all ports engage in and/or support tourism in some way. With stringent limitations on growth and increasing environmental restrictions over 50 port districts in rural areas depend on tourism as their main resource for economic development.
Port Of Allyn Commissioners And Staff
Judy Scott, District 1 Commissioner
Judy Scott has been a Port Commissioner since 2000, and will be through 2021. Her background includes experience as a local business owner in both the restaurant and construction industries, and as well as being a licensed real estate broker. She also owns a property management firm that oversees a number of commercial and residential rental properties, some of which she owns personally. As such, Judy is experienced in building maintenance issues, and the cost effective resolution of challenges such properties present.
She is active in the local community with North Mason Community Voice, Habitat for Humanity, North Bay Historical Society, and the Department of Natural Resources Focus Group among others.
Ted Jackson, District 2 Commissioner
Commissioner Ted Jackson is a long-time law enforcement officer. He started his career with the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office and then spent over 20 years with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. He was also a Mason County Deputy, and currently serves as an Assistant Police Chief with a City in Pierce County.
Ted graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Washington University. He was a member of the baseball team, ROTC, and president of the ski club. Ted has spent over five years on the Executive Board of Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, and also served as president of the Washington Game Warden Association, Public Safety Insurance Board, and Tacoma Metropolitan Parks Snake Lake Association.
Ted and his family have lived in Allyn for over 21 years. He has been a Little League Baseball coach and has been a participating member of Allyn Days for over 11 years.
Lary Coppola, Executive Director
Lary is responsible for the day-to-day business operations of the Port, and is its primary spokesperson and news media contact. Previous to joining the Port, he founded a successful local media firm, and served as its President & CEO until being elected Mayor and Chief Administrative Official of the City of Port Orchard in 2007. In Washington's Strong Mayor form of government, the Chief Administrative Official functions as the City Manager, overseeing the day-to-day business operations, including all financial, budgetary, and personnel decisions.
In that capacity, he was responsible for writing and administering the City's $30+ million annual budget ($8+ million General Fund), and directly accountable for implementing the decisions and policies set by the City Council.
Upon leaving the City, Lary was recruited by the Gerson Lehrman Group — a worldwide business consultancy, for his expertise in private sector and government business management, public policy, economic development, communications, and government affairs.
His community activities include serving as past president of Port Orchard Rotary, the Government Affairs Committee of the North Mason Chamber, serving on numerous community boards, and umpiring Little League Baseball.
LeAnn Dennis, Operations Manager
During her 12 years with the Port of Allyn, LeAnn has worn many hats. She oversees the Port's rental facilities, including its two marina/moorage operations and two launch facilities plus the Port's community water system. She also is responsible for the bookings at the Port's popular Gazebo and waterfront park.
LeAnn is also secretary to the Port's Board of Commissioners, responsible for preparing all meeting agendas and recording meeting minutes, as well as fulfilling all public records requests. She also shares bookkeeping and cash management responsibilities with the Executive Director, and serves as his Administrative Assistant. Additionally, she supervises maintenance and security personnel at the Port's facilities.
Her community service activities include 4-H, volunteering at Sand Hill Elementary in the youth banking program, and at the concession stand at the Sand Hill Baseball facilities.
