KETCHIKAN, ALASKA / June 1, 2023 – Chinook Shores Lodge, a premier Southeast Alaska fishing lodge specializing in guided charters, self-guided fishing and wildlife viewing, today announced Soren Heinecke has accepted the full-time, year round equipment and facilities manager position in Ketchikan.

In his new role, Heinecke will be responsible for the oversight of all facilities located within two properties including the maintenance of seven buildings, ten recreational boats, four passenger vans and two marinas.

Soren Heinecke’s introduction to Alaska began in 2013 when he started working on long-liners, pot cod boats, tenders and crabbers throughout the Gulf and Bering Sea. In 2017 and 2018, Soren worked as a dockhand and Ketchikan sportfishing guide during the spring/summer, while commercial fishing and tugboating in the fall/winter. He later accepted career positions at Island Tug & Barge and Western Towboat as a chief engineer with DDE licensing. In spring of 2020, Soren was contracted as a dock builder to construct a 220’ float dock for the Pier 25 marine facility. 

“Soren’s industry experience, work ethic and reputation is essential to the continued growth of our company. I have been fortunate to watch Soren achieve career success for many years and am proud he’s accepted a permanent position at our company,” said lodge owner, Jeff Wedekind. 

Heinecke is a member of the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA), the Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA) and the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP).

“I’ve always enjoyed working in Ketchikan during the summer and am looking forward to keeping Chinook Shores Lodge and Pier 25 Boathouse in tip-top shape, moreover I’m pleased to finally call Ketchikan my home,” said Soren Heinecke.  

Soren’s certifications and credentials include the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) 4000 HP, USCG Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) Six-Pack License, USCG 100 Ton Master Near Coastal, USCG 200 Ton Mate Near Coastal, USCG Steersman, FCC Marine Radio Operator, Commercial Assistance Towing, Basic Training, Advanced Firefighting and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Fast Rescue Boat training. Soren actively maintains his Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) for tourism and transportation opportunities throughout Southeast Alaska.

Chinook Shores Lodge employs four year round professionals, eight seasonal employees and numerous Ketchikan contractors. 

Chinook Shores Lodge is located 15 miles north of Ketchikan International Airport in Southeast Alaska on Revillagigedo Island. Accommodations include waterfront beach houses and vacation rentals with hot tub spa, TV/WiFi, fully equipped kitchens, outdoor areas with BBQ grills and pier/dock access to marine facilities792 with fishing boat rentals. Guests enjoy guided charter fishing, self-guided fishing, unguided fishing, eagle and whale watching, kayaking, hiking and zip-lining. For more information, visit: chinookshores.com and follow @chinookshores on social media.