HomeMy WebLinkAbout121823 email FW_ Time for a New Chapter _Rubstello_FYI.
Tom Thiersch
Chair, Jefferson County Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC), Port Townsend terminal
tprosys@gmail.com <mailto:tprosys@gmail.com>
P SAVE PAPER - Please do not print this email unless absolutely necessary.
From: Dean, Rachel <deanr@wsdot.wa.gov <mailto:deanr@wsdot.wa.gov> >
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2023 2:08 PM
Cc: Rodero, Hadley <roderoh@wsdot.wa.gov <mailto:roderoh@wsdot.wa.gov> >
Subject: Time for a New Chapter
FAC Members,
Good afternoon.
WSF Assistant Secretary Patty Rubstello has announced that after a long and successful career at WSDOT and WSF, she has decided to move on early next year. She and her hard work will
be missed. Here is her email to WSF staff.
Thanks,
Rachel
Rachel Dean
Legislative Analyst
deanr@wsdot.wa.gov <mailto:deanr@wsdot.wa.gov>
WSDOT- Washington State Ferries
Pronouns: she/her/hers
From: Rubstello, Patty <RubsteP@wsdot.wa.gov <mailto:RubsteP@wsdot.wa.gov> >
Subject: Time for a New Chapter
Dear WSF colleagues,
After 33 years at WSDOT, I’ve decided to leave WSDOT and WSF to explore a new chapter in my life. After losing my father this fall and learning that I will soon be a brand-new grandmother,
it reminded me how important it is to strike the right balance between time spent with loved ones and the demands of the job.
My time at WSDOT has been amazing, especially the time I have been able to spend here at WSF learning about all the amazing things you do to move our customers across the Salish Sea.
But it is now time for me to make an adjustment and prioritize more of my time being the grandma I’m so excited to be.
So, what does this mean for WSF?
I plan to step down as assistant secretary in early 2024, after my successor is chosen and is ready to assume this role. Together, we are making great progress in strengthening our workforce,
building our fleet and upgrading our infrastructure to ensure system stability for years to come. This momentum must continue, and I will do everything I can to make sure your next
leader has a good understanding of our situation before stepping down.
The past three years as head of WSF have been filled with some of the most rewarding experiences of my career, like going through the intensive training our crewmembers must pass before
working on a vessel, celebrating the opening of our new flagship Seattle terminal at Colman Dock and solidifying our plans to go electric! As you’re well aware, we’ve had difficult
times as well. Some of my hardest on-the-job decisions have come during my tenure here, especially those regarding service, which affects our customers and you, my coworkers at WSF.
Through the ups and downs, I couldn’t have done it without all your support. It truly is a blessing to work with so many talented, dedicated and inspiring people. This is a special place
and I’ve shared that with others outside the agency and will continue to do so. I hope you do as well.
We are at a very pivotal time at WSF, and we each have an important role in shaping our future. I know that future is full of calmer seas with you all pushing forward fulfilling the
critical roles you all play.
Patty
Patty Rubstello, PE (she/her)
Assistant Secretary - Washington State Ferries
Washington State Department of Transportation
rubstep@wsdot.wa.gov <mailto:rubstep@wsdot.wa.gov>