Meet the Commissioners

Roger Zabinski
Port Commissioner
360-204-0105

District 1: West Bremerton, portions of East Bremerton

Current Term: January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015

Roger Zabinski was elected Port of Bremerton Commissioner in 2009 for a six year term (2010-2015).  His top priorities for the Port of Bremerton include: improving transparency with tax payers, insuring that port resources are managed in a financially sustainable way, and increasing quality economic development and job creation in our region.  Prior to his election, Roger served on the Central Kitsap Community Council and various economic and environmental boards and served 14 years in the Air Force Reserves.  Roger works as a biochemist in the pharmaceutical industry, where he has authored 14 scientific publications and contributed to 3 patents.  He holds a BA in economics and chemistry and two masters’ degrees in chemistry and biochemistry.  Roger brings project management and teaching experience to his role on the commission.

Larry Stokes
Port Commissioner
360-710-2925

District 2: Downtown Port Orchard, portions of Eastern South Kitsap 

Current Term: January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2013

Larry Stokes was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 1979, serving as a Commissioner until 1989. In 2008, Commissioner Stokes was reelected to the Port Board of Commissioners. Key priorities for Commissioner Stokes are to work to boost public outreach and increase the occupancy of the Port's marina and existing facilities to create new jobs and grow the revenue generated by Port businesses. Commissioner Stokes is a firm believer the taxpayers "Who are the owners of the Port of Bremerton" should get a reasonable and fair return on their investment. Larry is a 20 year Navy vet where he specialized in the medical aspects in deep sea diving. After retiring from the Navy he founded Stokes Auction Inc., a well-known Kitsap auction company. Stokes Auction Inc. is a third generation family business with a proud commitment to the community. It is now owned and operated by his daughter, a long time employee.

Axel Strakeljahn
Port Commissioner

District 3: Portions of South Kitsap, Southwest Bremerton, Seabeck/Holly/Crosby

Current Term: January 1, 2012- December 31, 2017

Axel Strakeljahn has spent the past 30 years working and living on the shores of the Kitsap Peninsula. After years of leading successful businesses in the community, he has also actively in supported community organizations such as Boys and Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity.

Now the director of one of Kitsap County’s largest retail corporations, Axel explains that his decision to run for commissioner was based on a desire to offer his extensive business knowledge in the public service arena.

After successfully operating several large businesses, he hopes to bring decades of experience in producing and managing large budgets, controlling expenses, establishing more promotional events, and bringing new business to the Port of Bremerton.

“I have a personal interest in seeing the county I reside in flourish. As a commissioner who cares about ideas that support the people who live here and the responsibility of managing the taxpayer’s money, I know I can lead the Port of Bremerton toward creating the kind of place where everyone can thrive,” he says.