After 12 years of service, Member Val Early’s time with the Oregon State Marine Board has come to an end. Her willingness to continue past her original commitment of two consecutive appointments allowed the board to flow on behalf of Oregon boaters. During her tenure, her passion for boating, professionalism, skills, and leadership underscored her strong character attributes and helped the agency navigate significant change.
Early’s “drive” was shaped by her father, Cal Wade, who also served as a member of the Marine Board in the 1970s. Through his service, she was exposed to boating issues in Oregon, while becoming proficient in operating drift boats and other watercraft on the Rogue River. Early went on to earn a U.S. Coast Guard Uninspected Passenger Vessel License. She is an owner/operator of Early Fishing, Inc., a Marine Board-registered fishing guide service also registered to operate in California and Alaska.
In addition to Early's boating experience, she has volunteered with many organizations on river conservation and habitat including the ODFW Fall Chinook Conservation Plan, USFS National Center for Wild and Scenic River Excellence Working Group, Chetco Watershed Council, Brookings Harbor Safe-N-Sober, and other outdoor events promoting fishing, conservation and boating safety.
“Serving on the Oregon State Marine Board has been an incredible honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to support Oregon’s recreational boaters and advance the agency’s mission,” said Early. “We dealt with many varied issues during my time on the board and I was fortunate to serve the board with two directors and an interim director - all great leaders of the agency. I am proud of my role in helping to select the current director, Larry Warren, and witnessing the agency’s growth under his leadership.”
The board, composed of passionate boaters, makes well-researched decisions to benefit recreational boaters, and also law enforcement, and partnering agencies. Together, board members focus on the shared goal of enhancing boating safety, improving facilities, and protecting Oregon’s natural resources.
Early continues, “From presenting lifesaving awards and dedicating facilities, to addressing challenging issues, my time on the board has been both rewarding and educational.
I have enjoyed collaborating with law enforcement partners and participating in their training activities. The Boating Safety Advocate Program, introduced during my tenure, is crucial for helping educate boaters to recognize dangers and enjoy the water safely. It has been exciting to see milestones achieved such as the Waterway Access program, electronic boat examination reports, website upgrades, and other processes to better serve the boating public, to name a few.
All the agency staff, partners, and other board members are deeply grateful to all of Early’s contributions, insights, selflessness, and integrity. She has been an exemplary volunteer representing the Oregon State Marine Board. We wish her a “Bon Voyage” as she and her husband take some time to get back into recreating themselves.