2024 Astoria Regatta Admiral

Charlene is a native born Astorian who was raised in Seaside and Roseburg, Oregon.

Charlene began her adventures in work at the Bob Shop and Kerwin Rexall Drug in Seaside; Pacific Power & Light for 37+ years in Seaside, Astoria, Rock Springs, WY, Portland, OR and 5 years for Clatsop County and Clatsop County Sheriffs Office in Astoria. Presently with the Oregon Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Disaster and Climate Resilience Team.

Charlene has been a volunteer leader in multiple organizations, many of which have formally recognized her tireless service with awards. She was the recipient of the PacifiCorp Spirit of Excellence Award, and the George Award from the Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. She is a Lady Liberty recipient and a member of the Seaside High School Hall of Fame.

Member of Assistance League of Columbia Pacific, Astoria Lions Club, Oregon Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters and a Ford Family Foundation Community Builder.

There have been many leadership roles in Peace First Lutheran Church, in Business and Professional Women, Anchor Club and Astoria Regatta Association.

Her work toward saving and preserving The Performing Arts Center led to an honor in 2022 with the naming of Charlene Larsen Center for the Performing Arts.

Volunteering and music are high on the list of interests for Charlene and she plays String Bass with the North Coast Symphonic Band, the North Oregon Coast Symphony and the Little Ballet Theatre Nutcracker Orchestra. She is also a member of the Friday Musical Club.

Charlene is married to Ron and they have a son, daughter-in-law and three lovely grandchildren.

2024 Admiral’s Aide

A native of Minnesota, Constance Waisanen graduated from the University of California with a degree in Chemical engineering. Her first job brought her to the Wauna mill in Clatskanie, Oregon where for 27 years she helped provide the world with toilet paper. She then took a leap of faith and completed her securities licenses and has been a Financial Advisor with Thrivent Financial for 18 years.

Constance raised two sons in Knappa and is active in Astoria community service. She served on the Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trustees of Columbia Memorial Hospital, in various roles as a member of Peace First Lutheran Church, as a member of the North Coast Chorale and a supporter of the Partners for the PAC. She is also a member of the Writers Guild and Astoria Visual Arts.

Her interests include fiber art, music, reading, and spending time outdoors, especially in her rural garden where she nurtures exotic plants. She also loves to travel and has been a participant in six international Habitat for Humanity builds around the world. Her favorite activity is making mischief with her three grandchildren.

Constance is honored to represent Astoria as the Admiral's aide. "Astoria is the most amazing town in America . We have everything! Scenic beauty, great people who care about each other, an abundance of healthy food, and so many outdoor activities! I am blessed."

2024 Grand Marshal

Sheriff Matt Phillips of Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office grew up in Astoria, Oregon. After high school, Sheriff Phillips attended Oregon State University pursuing civil and forestry engineering degrees. During the summers he was a cadet and reserve deputy at the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, working with the marine patrol unit.

After completing the Oregon Police Corps 20-week academy, he began working as a deputy sheriff in 2001. In 2012 he was promoted to Sergeant, taking responsibility for Search and Rescue, entry training, the marine patrol unit and overseeing the sniper/designated marksman program. Later, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and appointed to be the Jail Commander.

Sheriff Phillips ran for office and was elected in November 2020.

Sheriff Phillips education includes a bachelor’s of science from Oregon State University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Oregon University. Sheriff Phillips holds basic, intermediate, advanced, supervisory and executive certificates from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

Sheriff Phillips and his wife Bree have been married 22 years and have a son Jack and daughter Jane. Jack is a sophomore at Oregon State University and Jane is a freshman at Astoria High School.