RBOC Applauds Governor's Re-Appointment of Boating & Waterways Commissioners Hallahan and Pier

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.

Governor Newsom has announced two appointments to the Boating and Waterways Commission

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced one new appointment and one reappointment to the Boating and Waterways Commission. Following is the excerpt from his press release:

Maggie Hallahan, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Boating and Waterways Commission. 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.

Katie Hawkins, of Truckee, has been reappointed to the California Boating and Waterways Commission, where she has served since 2020. Hawkins has been California Program Director for Outdoor Alliance since 2023. She was National Sales Manager for Marmot Mountain from 2013 to 2018. Hawkins was International Sales Manager for Black Diamond Equipment from 2008 to 2011. Hawkins is a member of the California Department of Natural Resources 30×30 Partnership Coordinating Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Washington State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Sacramento. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hawkins is a Democrat.

The Boating and Waterways Commission is established in statute in the Harbors and Navigation Code and is charged with providing advice and comment to the Division of Boating and Waterways in State Parks on all matters within the jurisdiction of the division. The Commission also provides advice and comment on 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. Each commissioner's term runs for four years. State law specifies that in making appointments to the Commission, the Governor shall give primary consideration to the geographical location of the residences of members as related to boating activities and harbors. One member is required to be a private small craft harbor owner and operator, one member must belong to a recognized statewide organization representing recreational boaters, and one member must be an officer or employee of a local law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing boating laws.

RBOC appreciates the leadership role individual commissioners and the entire commission have demonstrated, especially on recent issues as the division endeavors to address the solvency of the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund and to enhance access to boating opportunities.