WPPA Recognizes Former Speaker Frank Chopp with 2024 Compass Award
Former Speaker Frank Chopp accepting his Compass Award from Chris Herman, Deputy Director of WPPA
OLYMPIA, Washington – The Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) works on behalf of public ports across Washington, representing the interests of ports with the state legislature and beyond. Our success in promoting the work done by our port members requires leadership, vision and collaboration from state legislators who understand the vital role ports play in our state’s economy.
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. This year, we are pleased to announce our selection of Representative Frank Chopp (D-43rd LD, Seattle), longtime Speaker of the House, with our 2024 Compass Award.
Speaker Chopp was elected to the Legislature in 1994 and began serving as the co-Speaker of the House in 1999 when the chamber was equally divided between Democrats and Republicans. He assumed full control of the Speakership in 2002 and served until stepping down from that role in 2019. His tenure as Speaker was characterized by his focus on working people and promoting good-paying jobs, public education, health care for children, and the social safety net.
“Speaker Chopp brought his industrial Kitsap County background to the State Legislature, and never stopped representing the hardworking people he grew up with,” said WPPA Executive Director Eric ffitch. “He could be a tough critic of ports but was always fair and stuck up for our members in key moments, including helping pass legislation that paved the way for the creation of The Northwest Seaport Alliance. His steadfast leadership will be missed in Olympia, he’s a true example of selfless public service.”
Compass Award winners, former Speaker of the House Frank Chopp and Representative J.T. Wilcox with Chris Herman (WPPA Deputy Director), JC Baldwin (Commissioner CDRPA and WPPA Executive Committee President), and Eric ffitch (WPPA Executive Director)
Speaker Chopp said: “In my career, I’ve worked with ports and been across the table from them. They have the power to do good in their communities by putting people to work, and I’m glad to have had the chance to partner with them in some of that work. This award is a testament to the strength of partnership, and I am grateful for the recognition.”
Each year, WPPA recognizes one Democratic legislator and one Republican legislator with a Compass Award. The other 2024 Compass Award winner is Representative J.T. Wilcox, the House Republican Leader from 2018 to 2023. Both lawmakers were presented with their awards during their Keynote Address to the WPPA membership at its 2024 Spring Meeting.
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As a state legislative and regulatory advocacy organization, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy for ports to achieve their goals. The WPPA was formed by the Legislature in 1961 to represent 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 marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and tourism promotion.