New WAVE director brings cannery grit and child care leadership

Sharlay Mamoe started work as executive director of WAVE on July 1, taking over from Rikki McKay, who departs Petersburg this month to continue her education in social work.

Mamoe comes to the job from the Petersburg Children's Center, where she spent eight years, most of them as director. Before that she worked a decade at the cannery.

McKay is staying on through July 24 to help with the handoff. The two have been working side by side since July 1.

WAVE board treasurer Indigo Hanahan said the board is confident in the choice.

"Rikki got it up to par, and everyone's really excited for Sharlay,...