New guardians of the gateway: The Andersons take over Orcas Landing ferry contract | Local couple brings decades of operations experience to island’s vital transportation hub
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, August 19, 2025
By Darrell Kirk
Sounder contributor
After 45 years of dedicated service under Ron Rebman and Mary Russell’s stewardship, Orcas Landing has new operators. James and Gina Anderson, a couple with deep island roots and extensive business backgrounds, have taken over the ferry contract that serves as the gateway to Orcas Island.
The transition represents more than just a change in management — it’s the passing of a torch to a new generation committed to preserving the community connection that makes Orcas Landing special while modernizing operations for the future.
James Anderson’s story with Orcas Island began in 1989.
“I moved here after the storm of 1989. I was in eighth grade when I moved here, finished high school, left, joined the military, then got out of the military and moved to Southern California, where I met Gina,” he explained.
James was 21 when he relocated to Orange County, where he and Gina would spend the next two decades building their careers and family.
“We had three kids in Orange County. That’s where our business and finance background comes from,” James said. The family returned to Orcas in 2019 with three teenagers in tow — Morgan, who just graduated high school, Joe who is entering his sophomore year, and Emma, who will be starting eighth grade in the fall.
For Gina, originally from Southern California, the move to island life was initially daunting.
“I thought it was going to be a challenge to not get island fever,” she admitted. “But surprisingly, there’s a lot of stuff to do here to keep busy. I feel like we’re actually busier here than we were in California because instead of doing things like shopping and sitting in traffic, there are more community things here to get involved with.”
The island’s tight-knit community spirit particularly impressed her during their daughter Morgan’s recent graduation. “I feel like there were so many celebrations of success — the parade, grad night. They have so many things that they do here on Orcas to keep everybody engaged and to continue to be a part of the community.”
Building on a strong foundation
Taking over the Orcas Landing contract means inheriting a legacy built over nearly half a century. “Most importantly, we’re taking the history of what Ron and Mary have done. They’ve had this for 45 years between Ron and Mary, and their family. So we have a great foundation,” James explained.
“They’ve treated the community really, really well. What we’re trying to do is take that foundation and add our little touch to it, which could be improving technology and operational efficiency — really moving the business into making it more current as far as technology goes.”
The Andersons bring a combined 50 years of operations and finance experience to their new role.
“Between Gina and I, we have 50 years of experience in corporate America. We bring operational consistencies, clear processes for safety, customer service, and communication,” James said.
Advocating for the community
Perhaps most importantly to island residents, the Andersons understand their role extends far beyond simply managing ferry operations. As independent contractors rather than Washington State Ferries employees, they occupy a unique position as community advocates.
“We want to be the community’s voice at the ferry landing—being a sounding board and representing local concerns in meetings with Washington State Ferries, with our county leaders here, our county council and our commissioners who are doing a great job, and the state agencies,” James explained.
Their advocacy strategy is comprehensive: “Our advocacy will include providing WSF with real-time passenger and traffic feedback, working with local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce to communicate peak season challenges. We’re also supporting efforts for more equitable reservation access and service reliability, however we can, and making sure the ferry policies consider the realities of island life, which we’re pretty unique out here. From medical travel to business supply chains to seasonality with tourism.”
The magic of the gateway
For the Andersons, Orcas Landing represents something deeper than a transportation hub — it’s the emotional gateway to island life.
“I think that 15 years ago when we came up here on vacation, we were on the boat, approaching Orcas Landing, and everybody was just giddy. We were excited. We knew that this was the entrance, the passageway to all things Orcas Island,” James reflected. “Being here on a daily basis, we get to see people — tourists, locals — meeting and greeting each other, family members, and that kind of reminds us how magical this place is.”
The Andersons are well aware of the challenges facing ferry-dependent communities. They’ve already begun meeting with major island businesses to understand their needs.
When asked about potential solutions like private ferry alternatives, James was supportive: “It is very important for us to have a contingency plan when WSF ferries are late or when they cancel routes. We can’t help when boats get canceled. I think having a strong contingency plan that could include subsidized private vessels is a great idea because there is no plan B for people who commute for work, for the trades professionals and for large freight organizations.”
The couple faces the constant challenge of managing passenger expectations while working within the constraints of the state ferry system.
“We are not an official part of WSF. We are partners with WSF, so we have limited control over scheduling and boat arrivals,” James explained. Their solution is clear communication: “Under promise and over deliver.”
The heart of the operation
When asked about the most meaningful aspect of their transition, both James and Gina became visibly emotional discussing their employees.
“We could not have taken over this transition without these employees. They are phenomenal. They don’t know us, but they are extremely dedicated to the mission at the ferry landing” Gina said, her voice catching. “But yet, I feel like they are committed to us. They go above and beyond.”
James added with equal emotion: “Maybe it’s not us. But maybe it is their loyalty to the community — that this is an essential job function, the gateway to Orcas Island — that they show up and they do the job. In a very short amount of time, we start to get comfortable that they’re just going to show up and do a great job. We want to do the best that we can to reward and recognize them because they’re outstanding.”
Looking forward
The Andersons see their role as more than business operators — they’re community stewards committed to preserving what makes Orcas Island special while adapting to modern realities.
“We really want to be part of the core of the island, of the Orcas Island community, and this is an opportunity for both of us to create some stability. I don’t have to travel, she doesn’t have to travel, we stay here with the kids, and really being a part of the fabric of this community is really important to us,” James said.
As they settle into their new roles, the Andersons are guided by a simple philosophy that honors both their predecessors and their community: treating tourists not as burdens but as vital contributors to the island’s economy, maintaining clear communication with passengers and never forgetting that every ferry arrival brings someone home or starts someone’s island adventure.
The couple made sure to acknowledge the broader community that makes their mission possible: “We want to thank Ron and Mary for their many years of dedicated service to the landing. Their hard work and commitment have been a cornerstone of the ferry operation and a welcoming presence for countless travelers. We also want to acknowledge San Juan County council for their ongoing partnership and support and the people of Orcas Island whose patience, input and advocacy help ensure that our ferry terminal reflects the needs and character of this unique community.”
But it was their final acknowledgment that revealed the true heart of their operation: “Last but not least, we want to recognize the Orcas Island ferry terminal team for their hard work, professionalism and commitment during this transition. Your dedication makes the mission possible.”
