FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Public Ports Association Recognizes Representative Hunter Abell with 2026 Compass Award
Stevenson, Washington – The Washington Public Ports Association
(WPPA) works on behalf of public ports across Washington, representing the interests of ports at the state legislature and
beyond. The Association relies on the leadership, vision, and partnership of our legislative champions to promote the
success of Washington’s ports.
Since 2018, WPPA has been recognizing legislators who provide extraordinary leadership and unparalleled vision in advancing the importance and future of public ports for the residents they serve. Compass Award winners demonstrate pragmatism and a bipartisan approach to policymaking. Representative Hunter Abell (R-7th LD) embodies this collaborative and dedicated spirit, and his style is aligned with the manner in which ports approach their work. The WPPA is excited to recognize him as the recipient of the 2026 WPPA Compass Award at our Spring Meeting conference.
Representative Hunter Abell has served northeastern Washington’s 7th District, including the Port of Pend Oreille, since 2025. With deep roots in Ferry County and practicing attorney, he brings firsthand understanding of the legal and economic challenges facing rural communities. He also served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, with deployments to Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and continues his military service today as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
“Moving complicated issues through a short legislative session is never easy, and Representative Abell demonstrated an adeptness with legislative process and a profound patience that make him an asset to ports and to the Legislature. We are grateful for his leadership, his careful study of the issue, and his engagement with our port members,” said Eric ffitch, Executive Director of the Washington Public Ports Association.
Representative Abell said: “From my service in the Navy, I’m deeply aware of the importance of our deepwater ports. In my time in public service in Washington, I’ve learned the importance of our inland ports. Navigating this complex issue through the Legislature gave me a chance to support a hardworking port in my district and to work with them to solve a problem to benefit my community.”
Each year, WPPA recognizes one Democratic legislator and one Republican legislator with a Compass Award. The 2025 Compass Award winners were is Senator Paul Harris (R-17th LD) and Senator Mike Chapman (D-24th LD).
###
As a nonprofit trade association representing Washington’s independent port districts and their partners, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy that supports our members and helps them execute their community-supported goals. The WPPA was charged by the Legislature in 1961 with acting as the coordinating agency for public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including the operation of marine terminals and barge facilities, tourism promotion, development of industrial parks, management of public access points, marinas, airports, railroads, and more.
Contact: Eric ffitch, Executive Director
360-763-1179 cell
effitch@washingtonports.org
