Commissioners
LAURA GRONNVOLL
Photo by Marvin Robles
District 3. Term: 2023-2028
Chair
Laura Gronnvoll is a dedicated public servant and community advocate who has served as Port Commissioner for District 3 in Kingston since January 2018. Laura has deep roots in the community, with her family having resided in the area for over 40 years. Together with her husband, Sverre, Laura has raised their three children in Kingston, where marine services have always held significant importance in their lives.
Laura’s connection to the maritime industry runs through her family history. When she first met her husband, he was employed at a propeller repair shop, which laid the foundation for their enduring ties to the marine sector. Their son, Erik, now owns a propeller repair shop in Kingston, continuing the family tradition in this vital aspect of the local economy. Laura’s commitment to Kingston is resolute, as she expressed, “We are here to stay.”
In addition to her role as Port Commissioner, Laura contributes to her community as a legal assistant at the local law office of Roberts & Bryan. Through her work, she gains insights into the legal and administrative aspects that underpin Kingston’s development and growth.
Laura understands the complexities and challenges that come with change in a small town like Kingston. With the community experiencing shifts and transitions, she emphasizes the importance of constructive dialogue and encourages everyone to engage positively in discussions about the town’s future. Her dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment reflects her unwavering love for Kingston and her commitment to ensuring its continued prosperity.
In her capacity as Port Commissioner, Laura Gronnvoll remains steadfast in her efforts to support the interests of Kingston and its residents, working tirelessly to uphold the town’s values and promote sustainable growth. With her deep-seated connection to the community and her pragmatic approach to governance, Laura Gronnvoll stands as a beacon of leadership, guiding Kingston towards a vibrant and prosperous future.
Steve Heacock
Photo by Marvin Robles
District 1 Term: 2020-2026
Vice Chair
Steve and his family moved to Kingston in 1998, taken by the maritime-charm and the surrounding rural character. He was appointed to serve as Port Commissioner for District 1 in 2018 by Port Commissioners and elected to a six-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2020.
Steve is an Environmental Planner, Geologist and Natural Resource Specialist with over 28-years of experience providing planning and project implementation assistance, writing grants and developing program budgets, developing public outreach and education programs, and providing complex shoreline, environmental and land use project permitting expertise.
“The Port of Kingston has accomplished much in the past few years to provide economic growth to the POK constituents. Our recent accomplishments include a long-term contract with Kitsap Transit to provide passenger-only service to Seattle. We are working to solve the through-town traffic dilemma, partnering with State and Kitsap County agencies to find a short-term fix and long-term holding lane solution to the current tally slip system. We have a world-class Port and Marina facility and are developing a work plan to maintain all Port facilities. As a defined urban growth area, Kingston is going to see many more residential and business developments. I believe Kingston’s downtown business core needs to keep its maritime charm and character and that future development should be balanced with the natural environment and regional rural character. My long-term goals include working with agencies, Tribes, fishermen, farmers, and citizens to provide a better nexus to economic revitalization within the Port boundary.”
Mary McClure
Photo by Marvin Robles
District 2. Term: 2022-2027
Secretary
Mary McClure began serving as Port Commissioner, District 2, in January 2016. She brings a strong professional knowledge base built on 45 years’ experience providing consulting services and business solutions for both private companies and public projects. Her experience spans cities throughout the nation, Puget Sound, and especially Kitsap County, with focus on the intersection of economic and community development. As a professional facilitator, she brings a passion for building relationships that promote open communication and respectful dialogue within the community. Through a wide variety of projects, including serving 15+ years as Executive Director of the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, Mary has gotten to know Kitsap’s communities and what good government looks like.
Close to home, she has been active in many Kingston volunteer projects. She is a co-founder of the Kingston Farmer’s Market. Mary is a long-time Kingston resident, having lived on Apple Tree Cove since 1989. A recreational boater for over 30 years, Mary and her husband Jimmy James raised their children on Apple Tree Cove and the waters of the surrounding Puget Sound. Her fond memories of watching her children’s futures take shape here inspire her to seek out opportunities for Kingston’s economic future so that other families may build their own wonderful memories for many years to come.
Mary’s central goal is to see strong, balanced Port Leadership and to strengthen the Port’s role in exploring economic development opportunities throughout the community. She wants to promote coordination among government agencies so that Kingston enjoys the full range of services that we deserve. Fundamentally, Mary believes that government exists to serve the people.