Ex-DRED chief to take helm of the ‘Mount’

Sean O’Kane, former commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, has joined Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation, owner and operator of the M/S Mount Washington, as president and co-owner.

Under a leadership change announced Thursday by the company, Jim Morash will be promoted from general manager to vice president and chief operating officer and also will assume an ownership position.

O’Kane and Morash join current owners Ed and Ingunn Gardner, under this restructuring.

In addition to operating the “Mount,” the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation owns and operates the 74-foot U.S. Mail Boat Sophie C. and the 68-foot Doris E.

O’Kane, who served two years as commissioner of DRED ending, previously was general manager of the Center of New Hampshire in Manchester.

He called the M/S Mount Washington “a New Hampshire tourism icon” with “tremendous opportunities to expand our visibility and appeal.”

Morash has been a part of the organization’s crew for over 25 years, serving as deckhand, deck officer, purser, skipper, pilot and director of marketing. – JEFF FEINGOLD