The Best Western Friday Harbor Suites has named Ron Bates its new general manager, effective June 28.

Bates is widely known in the community as former advertising manager and assistant publisher of The Journal of the San Juan Islands (2000-2010). His local connections, marketing abilities and customer service skills are well suited for the hospitality business. He and his partner, Sandy Montana, also own the Mosquito Fleet Mercantile in downtown Friday Harbor.

“I’m deeply honored and thrilled to be a part of this Best Western facility. It’s a great team and a wonderful opportunity,” says Bates, who succeeds Janeen Jennings, general manager for the past six years.

After earning his degree in design in Tempe, Ariz., Bates worked at USWest as a graphics supervisor for six years. Following that, he partnered with three other talented designers and formed GRAPHICS 4, a full-service design firm in Scottsdale, Ariz.