Jeff Knakal Appointed to Commissioner Position No. 4

Board Appoints Jeff Knakal to Fill Position Vacated by Commissioner Leslie McRoberts

During this week’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District (District) Board of Commissioners (Board), the District Board unanimously voted to appoint Jeff Knakal to Commissioner Position No. 4, which had been vacant since the resignation of Commissioner Leslie McRoberts on June 29 due to her pending move out of District boundaries. Following extensive advertising and community outreach, the Board interviewed three worthy applicants during a special meeting held on August 24, ultimately selecting Commissioner Knakal for the position. Per Chapter 42.12 Revised Code of Washington, Commissioner Knakal will hold the position until the next election at which a member of the Board normally would be elected (November 2023).

Commissioner Knakal has owned a home in Sudden Valley since 2014 and resided there full-time since his retirement in 2020 following a career in the aerospace industry. Commissioner Knakal holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and has served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT with the South Whatcom Fire Authority since 2021. Personal pursuits include competitive and recreational rowing, running, kayaking, backpacking, and skiing.

Board of Commissioners President Laura Abele said, “I am pleased with the appointment of Commissioner Knakal. Throughout his interview, the Board was impressed by Jeff’s even-keeled nature, as well as his ardent desire to serve the community in which he resides. I have no doubt that his skillset with mesh well with his fellow commissioners, and that he will be a valued contributor to the Board into the future.”