Erik Anderson  Henry Island

A native of Vancouver, WA, Erik Anderson spent much of his childhood exploring the San Juan Islands from his family’s home base on Henry Island. He attended the University of Washington, earning both a bachelor’s of science degree in Forest Management and master’s of science degree in Forest Economics.

Following graduate school, Erik took a job in Portland as a grain trader trainee with Louis Dreyfus Company/Commodities. This was the beginning of a highly successful career with Louis Dreyfus in the global grain trade. He held a succession of senior management positions all over the world, including stints in Buenos Aires, Paris, and Louis Dreyfus Commodities headquarters in Wilton, CT.

Erik was appointed the Louis Dreyfus Foundation’s Advisory Committee in 2013. He remains an active member, focusing on sustainable community agriculture in impoverished, agriculturally based communities in Asia, Africa, Central and South America.

He is married to his college sweetheart, Andrea Anderson (a former SJPT trustee). They have two daughters.

In 2013, Erik and Andrea bought the property of the derelict Westcott Bay oyster farm. Erik turned in his suit and tie for Grundens and XtraTufs and says he couldn’t be happier in his “retirement.” He and Andrea worked tirelessly to replenish the farm’s shellfish stocks while also renovating and constructing infrastructure for an ambitious new retail business. Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. is now a vibrant “shuck-your-own” shellfish dining destination, where residents and visitors alike come together for casual picnics, celebrations, and other special events.

“Andrea and I take great pride in what we have built,” Erik says—“both in the success of the farm and also in achieving our goal of preserving this unique and historic farm for the community of the San Juans.

“My time in the Islands has shaped who I am,” he adds. “The Preservation Trust and its impact on the San Juan Islands land and community are extremely important to the lives of our entire family.”

Erik spends his free time fishing and fishing, as well as fishing.