Mattawa Port makes personnel change

MATTAWA — A changing of the guard is taking place at the Port of Mattawa. Longtime Port of Mattawa Secretary Linda Watkins is retiring in August.

Watkins started at the Port of Mattawa in the early 1980s. She and her husband moved to Mattawa in 1974.

“My dad was farming down here,” said Watkins. “We had just gotten married and moved down here to farm. Everything was sagebrush back them. We had no phones, but we did have running water and power. And we had a lot of wind. Everyday the house would fill up with dirt.”

Watkins has done her share to contribute to economic growth in Mattawa. She and her husband built the first gas station and car wash in town. At one point, they also owned a laundromat.

“She not only was building gas stations, but she was running the Port and has her own orchard,” said Lars Leland, executive director for the Port of Mattawa.

Over the years, Watkins has seen a lot of growth in town.

“When I moved here, there were about 500 people,” Watkins said. “That was 45 years ago. It’s been small for a long time.”

There has also been growth at the Port. The Port has had a few different offices in Mattawa over the years. The industrial park has also brought major changes to the Port.

“Commercial, industrial and ag has gone through the roof,” Leland said. “The orchards and vineyards job sector is growing a lot. That’s what is attracting more people.”

Taking on Watkins’ job is Lorina Hernandez. Hernandez and her husband moved to Desert Aire over a year ago from Phoenix, Arizona after her in-laws retired here.

“We were at a crossroads,” Hernandez said. “We decided to make a change. It’s been a fun change. I didn’t know what to expect moving to a small town.”

Before taking a job with the Port of Mattawa, Hernandez worked in the hospitality industry. She has worked in everything from restaurants to her latest job, bartending. Her husband also works in the hospitality industry and is a classically trained French chef. Hernandez will be the office manager for the Port.

“It will probably grow as the needs of the Port grow,” said Hernandez.

“There is a lot of paperwork, especially with the state and taxes,” said Leland. “She will help keep people up to date. We’re a growing Port. We need more hands and brains than I have.”

Hernandez started at the Port of Mattawa the beginning of July. Watkins will retire in August.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.