The Board of Fire Commissioners for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue announced its newest commissioner during a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 3.

Amanda Montague has been chosen to fill the seat vacated by Jim Coffin on Aug. 22. Montague was not present at the meeting, and will be sworn in during the board’s next regular meeting.

“We liked her enthusiasm and excitement about being commissioner,” said Commissioner Barbara Bedell. “She has a lot of experience in leadership and grant writing.”

Montague is relatively new to the island, having lived here for nearly a year. Since 2012, she has been the Vice President of Education and Healthcare Relations for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

Her education includes a Bachelor’s in economics from Smith College, and a Master’s in Risk and Prevention from the Harvard University School of Education.

There was some dissonance from community members present at the meeting, who questioned the commission’s decision on selecting someone with no professional experience in fire or EMS as well as someone so new to the island.

“We’re not taking the popular stand …” said Commissioner Wes Heinmiller. “We needed a business person in the seat.”

Also during the meeting, the commissioners voted to make Heinmiller the chairperson of the board.