OLYMPIA – Nov. 20, 2018 – Washington State Parks announces it has hired Rob Sendak to be the agency’s new Boating Program manager. In this position, Sendak provides leadership as the state’s Boating Law Administrator and oversees the Clean Vessel Act grant, mandatory boater education and recreational boating safety programs.
“I’m excited to join State Parks and the boating program team,” said Sendak, who joined the program in October. “I’ve always enjoyed exploring Washington’s natural landscapes, and that drives my passion to support people recreating on our public waterways.”
Sendak’s career has been centered around supporting and promoting outdoor recreation. Most recently, he served as director of external affairs at Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition and executive director at Washington Water Trails Association. He has also served on the Washington State Boating Program Advisory Council, the Washington State Paddlesports Advisory Committee and the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition.
Sendak brings to the Boating Program a history of connecting, convening and facilitating groups of people from public, private and non-profit sectors. This experience will serve the program well, as it works with partners from federal, state and local agencies and a wide variety of boating organizations.
As Washington state’s Boating Law Administrator, Sendak also serves as an ex officio member of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the Western States Boating Alliance and Washington Boating Alliance.
Sendak completed his bachelor’s degree with a focus in communications and mass media at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He also earned a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. He enjoys kayaking and spending time with his family. His favorite state park is Patos Island Marine State Park in the San Juan Islands.
About the Washington State Boating Program
Washington State Parks administers the state’s Boating Program, which provides leadership in boating safety and environmental education and outreach. The goal of the program is to reduce accidents and fatalities, increase stewardship of Washington waterways, and keep recreational boating a safe, accessible and enjoyable pastime. For more information on the Boating Program, visit: www.washingtonstateparks.us/Boating
News media contacts:
Christina Fremont, Boating Program, (360) 902-8837
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 18-072