Posted on January 20, 2025
Representing the Port of South Whidbey in a sea of other port districts in the state, Jack Ng was recently chosen to be the vice president of the board for the Washington Public Ports Association.
“We are just a small potatoes port district,” said Ng, who has served as a Port of South Whidbey commissioner since 2015.
There are 75 port districts located within the state of Washington, with the majority comprising the membership of Washington Ports. In November, the organization appointed Ng to fill a vacancy on the board and he became secretary for about a month. This was unusual because board members usually serve more time on the board before being chosen. Ng told them that he doesn’t have a high school degree, as he dropped out to work full-time. They responded that they liked his business background; Ng is the owner of four restaurants and a coffee and whiskey bar.
“We need to recognize that it’s an honor that the Washington Public Ports Association would appoint somebody for their board from little old Port of South Whidbey,” Curt Gordon, Ng’s fellow port commissioner, said during a meeting this week.
Ng is passionate about the economic development port districts can provide. He often visits others — like the Port of Kennewick this week — talking to leadership and learning more about how they function.
His new role will help put South Whidbey on the map, since others on the board are unfamiliar with the area.
Later this year, Ng plans to throw his hat into the ring to become president of the Washington Ports board in 2026, which would be a big deal for someone from South Whidbey. Previous presidents have represented some of the biggest districts in the state, including Port of Seattle and Port of Everett.
