The Port of South Whidbey is back to full strength.

The commissioners appointed Ed Halloran of Langley to fill the District 2 seat at a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the port’s headquarters in Freeland. He replaces Chris Jerome, who resigned Jan. 14 for a job on the East Coast.

In an interview following the meeting, Halloran said he wants to show the public the success the port is achieving through projects such as the South Whidbey Harbor expansion project.

“It’s an important event to show the port can do good.”

“I think this is an opportunity to take advantage of my experiences off and on-island,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve with the port and community.”

Halloran is the owner and president of management consulting company HALCO Management Systems in Langley. He has lived on the island for 10 years and is active in sailing programs for youth and adults with the South Whidbey Yacht Club.

Halloran worked in the aviation industry for more than 40 years for several companies including Northrop Grumman, while living in California.

The other port commissioners, Curt Gordon and Dennis Gregoire, had 90 days to appoint a person to fill the seat vacated by Jerome, which represents the Langley area.

Halloran was challenged by Langley resident Dean Enell for the position.

In a meeting earlier this month, Halloran was interviewed by the commissioners and cited his interest in making port facilities more community-friendly and serviceable.

“I’m active in studies for marina improvements,” he said during the regular meeting. “This is a good way to give something back.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Enell was interviewed and listed his interest in transportation and creating industries for more jobs as reasons for seeking the position.

Enell said one of the best ways to drive the port’s mission of economic development is through transportation. He said he would like to make traveling easier for people who work off-island.

Enell has lived on South Whidbey for more than 20 years and is involved with several community groups including the Island County Planning Commission, Conservation Futures Program and Clinton Ferry Advisory Committee. Enell has worked in project management and web and computer software development for Boeing.

After his selection, Halloran was sworn in and the meeting resumed with him as an acting member of the board.