2024 Astoria Regatta Admiral

What is your role in the community? Past and present.

2024 Admiral’s Aide

What is your role in the community? Past and present.

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

What is your role in the community? Past and present.

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. Matt changed his degree and graduated from OSU in 2001.

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. September of 2016, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and appointed to be the Jail Commander.

In January 2020, Matt was appointed Sheriff by the board of county commissioners to complete Sheriff Bergin’s term upon his retirement. Sheriff Phillips ran for office and was elected in November of the same year.

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 has over 3300hrs of law enforcement training and is a graduate of the Oregon Marine Law Enforcement Academy, the Oregon Executive Development Institute, the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Command College and Oregon Sheriff’s Institute. 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.