RBOC applauds the action California Governor Gavin Newsom took on January 17 to re-appoint two dedicated and effective individuals to new terms on the Boating and Waterways Commission: Maggie Hallahan and Thomas Pier.
California’s recreational boaters have benefited from the engagement of Commissioners Hallahan and Pier and we are fortunate that they will continue to serve on this important commission.
From the Governor’s announcement:
“Maggie Hallahan, of San Francisco, has been reappointed to the California Boating and Waterways Commission where she has served since 2024. Hallahan has been licensed by the United States Coast Guard as a Captain since 2017 and has been Chief Executive Officer of MHPV, a San Francisco LBE Company, since 1990. She has been a Photographer and Director since 1990 and a Motivational Speaker for the UN Commission on the Status of Women since 1991. She was a Photographer for the United Nations Population Fund from 1981 to 2012. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hallahan is a Democrat.”
“Thomas Pier, of San Francisco, has been reappointed to the California Boating and Waterways Commission, where he has served since 2020. Pier has been the Principal/Founder of Pier Admiralty Group since 2025. He was Of Counsel at Alioto Law Firm from 2005 to 2024. Pier was a Self-Employed Political Consultant from 1991 to 1999. He was a Lifeguard at the City of Newport Beach from 1998 to 1992. Pier was a Fisherman and Ship Engineer at Various Fishing Vessels from 1985 to 1988. He earned a Master of Laws degree in Admiralty and Maritime from Tulane University, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from University of Texas, Austin, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from Brown University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Pier is a Democrat.”
The Boating and Waterways Commission is established in the Harbors and Navigation Code and is chartered to advise and comment on all matters within the jurisdiction of the Division of Boating and Waterways within State Parks. The Commission also advises and comments on all boating facilities loans and grants proposed by the Division.
The Commission is composed of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate.