Lifelong Montesano resident Phil Papac was sworn in to the Port of Grays Harbor District 1 commission seat Tuesday at the Satsop Business Park.

“I look forward to serving the citizens of District 1, and all of Grays Harbor,” said Papac. “The Port has been a vital economic driver for our community and I am honored and excited to be a part of the team.”

The father of two grown sons, Papac has operated the Crow’s Nest restaurant with his wife, Danya, for the past 37 years in Montesano.

He was selected by commissioners Stan Pinnick and Jack Thompson in June to fill the position vacated by the retirement of longtime commissioner Chuck Caldwell July 31.

Papac served on the Montesano Parks Board for 20 years, co-chaired two successful school levies, coached and served on several boards for youth sports, and had a 20-year career refereeing basketball throughout Grays Harbor.

He will serve the remainder of the District 1 Commissioner term, which will be up for election in November 2019, at which time he and any District 1 registered voter may stand for election for the following 6-year term.

The Port Commission board was also reorganized to reflect Papac’s appointment, according to Port spokeswoman Kayla Dunlap. The board for the remainder of 2018 will be Thompson as president, Pinnick as vice-president and Papac as secretary.