top of page

Qualifications & Goals

Keith Chaplin for Port of Skagit

Suot16.jpg
Suot45.jpg

Keith Chaplin

Port Commissioner

 I’ve built my life and career on adaptability, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency — qualities I’ll bring to the Port of Skagit every day.
As a news reporter in Washington and Alaska, I learned the value of transparency, accountability, and clear communication in public service. For the past 13 years, I’ve worked as a general contractor building homes across Skagit County. That experience — along with my service on the Burlington City Council — has made me a more pragmatic, collaborative, and strategic thinker. I understand how vital coordination between local governments, ports, businesses and residents is to our region’s success.
On council, I served on every committee — from audit and finance to public safety and public works — to gain a deep, analytical understanding of how effective government works. I championed public communication and helped launch a city newsletter to keep residents informed. I also advocated for safer infrastructure and long-term investments that benefit future generations.
The Port should model those same values: work efficiently, support industry and agriculture, and create space for innovation and entrepreneurship. I’ll bring a fresh perspective, a builder’s mindset, and a long-term commitment to Skagit County. I’d be honored to earn your vote.
 

360.708.9685

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Suot16.jpg

Elected Experience

  • Burlington City Councilmember Ward 2 (2020–2025)

  • served as 2024 Mayor Pro-Tem

  • Served on Audit & Finance, Public Safety, Public Works, Homeless Transition, Lodging

Tax, Cemetery Board, Historical Preservation Board, & Land Use committees

  • City liaison to the Burlington Chamber of Commerce

  • Planning Commissioner (2019–2020)

Suot16.jpg

I am the only person running for this position that has actually been elected to a position, and can point to tangible improvements to my community based on holding that position. Driving through Burlington the streetscapes are undergoing improvements for pedestrian and drivers safety based on my advocacy. Residents receive a quarterly newsletter because of my initiative. Parks in the city have received huge renovations and installations of playgrounds because we did the hard work, planned, wrote grants, saved and spent wisely on things that residents requested.

Suot14.jpg
Suot13.jpg

Professional Experience

 

  • Owner of Chaplin Construction, LLC, a residential & commercial construction

company serving every city in the Skagit valley since 2012

  • Commercial fisherman: Southeast Alaska (2012-2013)

  • Digital Content Manager: Skagit Valley Herald

  • Reporter/Editor: Petersburg Pilot & Wrangell Sentinel (Alaska)

Education & Community Service

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Entrepreneurship, Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Community Service

  • Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Member (2015–2020)

  • Burlington youth sports coach

bottom of page