After a “worldwide” search, the Board of East Brother Light Station, Inc., selected a local couple, Ed and Anne Witts form Walnut Creek to be the next keepers of East Brother Lighthouse.

The term “worldwide” search was used because the largest volume of applications actually came from Germany after several German media picked up on the story of the search. Because of thy media interest generated, the largest volume of hits on the East Brother website in December came also from Germany. Unfortunately, the job requires a current U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License, an item that few outside the U.S. are likely to have.

We did, in fact, interview applicants from as far away as Alaska, Tennessee and San Diego..

Although we didn’t get a German couple, Anne is a native of Belgium, speaks four languages and is a former Sabena and Delta Airline first class cabin attendant and Brussels tour guide. She will be bringing experience in French cuisine to the job.

Ed most recently worked as a civilian for the U.S. Army NATO support base in Chievres, Belgium and has worked for several years as a professional yacht captain all over the world. Before that, he worked in the printing industry. He was also director of sailing for the California Maritime Academy.

Anne is a graduate of ULB (Brussels university), GLTT, Institut Diderot and SHAPE International (NATO) School. Ed has  BS in Business Finance from California State University, Sacramento.

Ed and Anne will complete training the first week in February and take over the operation of the inn from Katy and Elan Stewart on February 5.