The Observer, January 2008

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Stephens leaving board after 18 years

Stan Stephens, who started service on the citizens’ council board in 1990, resigned his seat at the start of this year.

He said in a letter announcing his resignation that he plans to continue his three decades of oversight of the oil industry in Prince William Sound, including pushing for such things as weather buoys, a one-way zone for tankers in the constricted waters leaving Valdez, and better escort and rescue tugs.

“We need more RCACs, and we need more people like those on the board and committees, who give of their time and expertise,” Stephens wrote.

“I will always be involved and hopefully I will be able to help the council with its issues,” Stephens told the Observer in an email.

Stephens has served almost continuously on the board since 1990, and was elected president several times. His most recent term in the top post ended in May 2007.

Stephens, who was born and raised in Minnesota, has been in Alaska since 1961. He is the owner and operator of Valdez-based Stan Stephens Cruises.

He represented the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association on the board. A replacement was expected to be seated at this month’s meeting of the council board.