Boat Line Treasurer Says He Is Willing to Return to Role of Interim
Chief

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Marking an auspicious new tack for the embattled Steamship
Authority, Wayne Lamson, the respected longtime boat line treasurer, has
volunteered to step in as interim chief executive officer, the Gazette
has learned.

In a letter sent to SSA governors last week, Mr. Lamson offered to
take over the top spot at the boat line as CEO Fred Raskin prepares to
leave after barely two years on the job.

Mr. Lamson's letter has not been made public because it is
protected as a personnel document under the Massachusetts Public Records
Law.

But Vineyard boat line governor Kathryn A. Roessel confirmed Mr.
Lamson's inquiry yesterday and said she plans to move at the
regular boat line meeting on Thursday to make it official.

"It is my intention to make a motion on Thursday that we offer
the job of interim general manager to Wayne Lamson," Ms. Roessel
said.

"I have no doubt that my motion will carry because I know that
all five members of the board have total confidence in Wayne's
abilities to get us through the summer and get us through the
all-important budgeting process in the fall in good order - just
as he has done on several occasions," she added.

Mr. Raskin formally announced his resignation last month. His
contract expires on July 28.

Ms. Roessel's use of the term general manager yesterday
highlights one area of confusion now surrounding the top post at the
boat line.

When Mr. Raskin was hired two years ago the SSA governors changed
the job title at the top spot from general manager to CEO. The change
was accompanied by a hefty hike in salary - Mr. Raskin is paid
some $170,000 with benefits, and he will exit his contract with a
substantial severance package.

It is understood that Mr. Lamson has also asked to be considered for
the permanent post - whatever the title - a first for the
veteran treasurer.

Mr. Lamson is no stranger to serving as acting general manager; if
the boat line board approves his appointment this week, it will mark the
sixth time he has been asked to hold down the fort during a transition
between general managers.

Mr. Lamson has worked at the boat line for 30 years and began as a
ticket seller.

He is known as an old-fashioned comptroller; conservative,
meticulous and by-the-book. Until now, he has never expressed an
interest in taking over the top spot at the SSA.

Ms. Roessel said Mr. Lamson's request to serve as interim
general manager comes as a huge relief during a time of fresh turmoil at
the public boat line which has been the lifeline to the two Islands
since 1960.

"This will give all of us a lot of comfort, and it takes a lot
of pressure off," she said.

Mr. Lamson was out of the office yesterday and could not be reached
for comment.

The monthly boat line meeting is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday in
Hyannis. The business agenda for the meeting is light, but SSA governors
are also planning to hold a working session following the meeting to
discuss the search process for a new chief executive officer.

Ms. Roessel said with the expiration of Mr. Raskin's contract,
the board was faced with the need to do something, and there was some
discussion about extending Mr. Raskin's contract while a search
took place.

"Our initial thought was that Fred would stay on under a
contract amendment - but it was the general understanding of the
members that Wayne would not agree to serve as interim general manager
again. Then we got this letter," Mr. Roessel said.

"I have spoken with Fred about this, and he indicated that it
would make him happiest if he could just leave," Ms. Roessel said.

"It all works out," she concluded.

In April Mr. Raskin launched the process that paved the way for his
resignation under the complicated terms of his contract.

Mr. Raskin came to the boat line with excellent credentials and a
strong background in marine transportation. But the CEO, who never
relocated to the Cape from his home in Andover, has struggled to
overcome poor relations with his board - in particular with
Nantucket governor Grace Grossman and also the people of Nantucket.