To carry out the Harbor District's operations, the Board of Commissioners relies on a staff of full-time employees. Chris Mikkelsen is the Executive Director and can be reached at (707) 443-0801.
Division 1 encompasses southern Eureka, Loleta and the Ferndale area.
Commissioner Aaron Newman
(707) 496-5158
Term: 2022-2024
• Commercial Fisherman of a 52' vessel seasonally harvesting crab, salmon, tuna and ground fish
• Captain of the M/V Madaket providing narrated tours of the history of Humboldt Bay
• Serves on the Board of Directors for the Western Fish Boat Owners Association
• Vice President of the Humboldt Maritime Museum
• Lifelong resident of Humboldt County committed to supporting initiatives that prioritize the health and wealth of local resources
Division 2 covers southern Humboldt County including Fortuna, Rio Dell, Garberville and Shelter Cove.
Commissioner Greg Dale
Term: 2015-2024
• Past President of the Humboldt County Farm Bureau
• Past President of the Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka
• Enjoys family, skiing, hunting and fishing
Division 3 includes the area covered by the City of Arcata, Bayside, Kneeland, Freshwater and Manila.
Commissioner Stephen Kullmann
Term: 2017-2026
• Director of Demand Side Management for Redwood Coast Energy Authority
• Former Community Development Director for Blue Lake Rancheria
• Former Natural Resources Director for Wiyot Tribe
• Former Blue Lake City Council Member
• Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue Certified
• Enjoys Humboldt County outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more
Division 4 includes the majority of the City of Eureka
Commissioner Craig Benson
(707) 826-3825
Term: 2022-2026
• Faculty, Dept. of Env Science & Mgmt. at Cal Poly Humboldt
• Member, Sea Level Rise Institute at Cal Poly Humboldt
• Vice-Chair City of Eureka Planning Commission
• Vice President of Global Development for the International Erosion Control Association
• Past Co-Coordinator of the Humboldt Bay/Mad River Watershed
• Past Chair of the Humboldt Weed Management Area
• Former Director of the Natural Resources Division of the Redwood Community Action Agency
• Fiscally conservative, socially liberal
• Advocate for all three missional areas of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District
Division 5 extends from McKinleyville north to the county line and northeast Humboldt County
Commissioner Patrick Higgins
(707) 223-7200
Term: 2007-2024
• Managing Director of the Eel River Recovery Project
• Harbor District Economic Development Committee Chairman (2008-2014)
• Humboldt Bay Development Association (2015-Present)
• Redwood Community Action Agency Board (1982-1994), Chairman (1986-1994)
• Eureka Bicycle Committee (1978-1980), Chairman
• Enjoys fishing, swimming, bicycling, hiking and travel