“I love Rockland,” Ripley said about his new job. “I’m so happy that I will get the chance to exercise the skills I’ve developed over two decades in the Coast Guard to help improve the harbor for business and recreation.”
City Manager Jim Chaousis said Ripley is a shining example of the level of expertise Rockland deserves, and employees like Ripley will further improve the city government’s performance. “Matt will bring a great level of professionalism to a job that is so important to such a vital part of our community — our beloved harbor,” Chaousis said. “We are lucky to have him.”
As a naval engineer in the Coast Guard, Ripley supervised personnel in shipboard and small boat engineering maintenance, search and rescue operations, waterfront projects, drug interdiction, migrant operations, ship repair, law enforcement, and training, among other things. He worked closely with a variety of local state and government agencies ranging from FEMA to local sheriff departments, and he has been stationed in Rockland and St. Augustine, Fla. He grew up in St. George, and started his career working as a crewman on the Laura B in Port Clyde. Ripley has also volunteered countless hours winterizing houses and assisting with food pantries.
This is a vital job for a harbor-oriented city like Rockland, and Ripley will be Rockland’s point person when it comes to making the harbor safe, work well for businesses including fisherman, and appeal to visitors. The job comes with enforcement responsibilities as well, including enforcement of city ordinances and observing state and federal laws. Ripley will also make harbor-related recommendations to Rockland’s Harbor Management Commission and City Council.
Chaousis said competition for the harbormaster job was intense, but that Ripley’s deep maritime experience clearly made him the exceptional candidate. “This is the direction we need to be going,” Chaousis said. “We’ve got to work together to make Rockland a better place to live and make a living.”
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