Posted on July 3, 2018
By Tao Woolfe, The Sandwich Enterprise
The search for a new Sandwich harbormaster netted 19 candidates from across the country, but as it turned out, the best of them was already on the job.
The board of selectmen on Thursday, June 28, unanimously approved the appointment of Michael S. (Mick) Dunning as the new harbormaster. Mr. Dunning, who has served as Sandwich’s deputy harbormaster for the past 18 months, will start at the top post on Monday, July 2.
Mr. Dunning—who also served as interim harbormaster for a year before the town hired outgoing harbormaster John T. (KZ) Kondratowicz—declined to comment on his appointment earlier this week.
Mr. Kondratowicz announced in May that he was retiring at the end of June after serving as harbormaster for nearly two years.
“Mr. Dunning has helped to oversee the construction of the new harbormaster’s office and garage and several dock replacements as well as many other improvements,” Town Manager George H. (Bud) Dunham said in his recommendation letter to the selectmen.
Mr. Dunning also helped with beautification efforts at the marina, expanding the parking areas “and vastly improving traffic patterns to better accommodate marina area patrons, visitors, and staff,” Mr. Dunham wrote.
The new harbormaster comes highly recommended, Mr. Dunham told the selectmen.
“References describe Mr. Dunning as a dependable, hard worker who really cares about the Sandwich Marina and is dedicated to its continued improvement and establishment as being the best public marina on Cape Cod,” Mr. Dunham said.
“They also laud his knowledge of marina operations and his construction practices. Other references describe his availability and willingness to deal with issues timely and how he has demonstrated his ongoing commitment to tactfully and impartially enforce the Sandwich Marina rules and regulations and Army Corps of Engineers’ lease.”
The town leases the marina land from the US Army Corps.
Before coming to Sandwich in January 2015, Mr. Dunning spent two years as vessel superintendent and equipment manager at Cashman Dredging and Marine Contracting in Quincy, according to his résumé.
He managed vessel and heavy equipment operations and repairs, set budgets, hired and scheduled crews, and negotiated pricing, among other duties.
Prior to working for Cashman, Mr. Dunning traveled around the world as third mate on an unlimited tonnage cargo ship for Vessel Management Services in New Orleans.
Mr. Dunning is a journeyman carpenter and has also served as a construction worker and supervisor, according to his résumé.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and is pursuing his harbormaster’s certification through the Massachusetts Harbormasters Training Council.
Sandwich Board of Selectmen chairman David Sampson, Assistant Town Manager Douglas Lapp, and Human Resources director Marie Buckner were on the selection committee with Mr. Dunham. The committee interviewed four “excellent” finalists before choosing Mr. Dunning.
Mr. Dunning—who came to Sandwich shortly before the death of beloved harbormaster David R. Whearty—has proven himself capable and kind, Mr. Dunham said.
“Several marina patrons and area business owners expressed their sentiments regarding Mr. Dunning’s fairness and dedication and their heartfelt appreciation for his effort…during the difficult time following former Harbormaster David Whearty’s untimely passing,” Mr. Dunham told the selectmen.
Mr. Whearty worked at the marina for 21 years before his unexpected death in July 2015 at age 44. Mr. Dunning, who had been working at the marina for only six months, was named interim harbormaster.
“I believe Mr. Dunning is committed to the town, and this position, and will provide continued stability to Sandwich Marina operations moving forward,” Mr. Dunham said.
Source: The Sandwich Enterprise
