PORT ANGELES — Ryan Burles was promoted Wednesday to president and CEO of Black Ball Transport Inc., owner and operator of the MV Coho passenger and vehicle ferry which runs year-round between Victoria and Port Angeles.
He replaces Wayne Barrett, who announced his retirement last month after 44 years with the company.
Burles, who had been vice president and district manager, joined Black Ball in 1985. He lives and works in Victoria.
He also is a director of the Victoria/Esquimalt Harbour Society and a member of the Rotary Club.
Burles rose to prominence last August when a task force appointed by Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe recommended a $100 million harbor redevelopment plan that suggested moving the Black Ball terminal out of Victoria’s Inner Harbour — where the Coho has landed for nearly 50 years.
He became the company’s point man in a broad campaign to highlight the ferry’s economic importance to both Victoria and Port Angeles.
Barrett began his career with Black Ball Transport Inc. in 1964 and served as district manager in Port Angeles for 30 years. He was appointed president and CEO in 2004.
Barrett was recognized for his service with Black Ball at the Dec. 10 Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon and at Wednesday night’s Port Angeles Downtown Association annual meeting and dinner.
