The Port of South Whidbey has a new commissioner.

During a special meeting last week, Commissioners Curt Gordon and Jack Ng chose Greg Easton to replace Ed Halloran, who represented the district of Langley and resigned in October.

Easton, a retired economic consultant, has experience working with several port districts over the years. He is currently the chairperson of Langley’s citizen-led Planning Advisory Board. He previously served on the city’s ad hoc Affordable Housing Sub-Committee, which was disbanded in April 2022. A member of Island County’s Housing Advisory Board, he pointed to his contribution to efforts to increase the local sales tax to support affordable housing.

Easton was one of three candidates interviewed during the port’s special meeting. Tim Callison, Langley’s former mayor, and Stan Berryman, Langley’s former public works director, were also interviewed.

In his interview, Easton spoke at length about the importance of increasing economic development and building affordable housing for employees of local businesses. The port is looking to construct workforce housing on the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, which it owns.

Gordon said the experience that Easton brings to the table is an advantage because it consists of what a small taxing district usually ends up paying for.

Ng said while it was a tough choice, Easton is an impressive candidate.

Easton was sworn in at the Dec. 29 meeting.