Tourists from all over the world often take the ferry to see the Bay in all its glory, and of course must first head to the terminal to get their tickets. It's there they might run into Sherry Cargille, an operations supervisor for Golden Gate Ferry.
Golden Gate Ferry Operations Supervisor, Sherry Cargille helps keep everything going to plan as far as arrivals, departures and customer satisfaction.
By Matt Larson
Published: June, 2015
Tourists from all over the world often take the ferry to see the Bay in all its glory, and of course must first head to the terminal to get their tickets. It’s there they might run into Sherry Cargille, an operations supervisor for Golden Gate Ferry. “I look forward to meeting new people from all over the world,” she said. “I get to learn so much about other cultures.” She loves her customers and loves her co-workers. “It’s my favorite job that I’ve ever worked—we are like family here.”
You may see Cargille at the Larkspur Terminal on Fridays, or at the San Francisco Terminal on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. She’s also spent the last four summers in Sausalito helping to develop the terminal there. Living in Santa Rosa, which is also her hometown, Cargille can’t justify taking the ferry into work, but she does look forward to making a wish through the “Rainbow Tunnel” on US-101 every day. “It’s kind of silly, but it’s tradition,” she said. “It’s just a fun way to start the day.”
As operations supervisor, it’s Cargille’s job to make sure that everything is going according to plan as far as arrivals, departures, and customer satisfaction—and everything else, really—every day. “Things change constantly and there is really no set routine, internally,” she said, enjoying the challenges of the job. Fortunately she has an amazing working environment, so no task is ever too arduous. “When things can get really hectic, I can just take a minute and look at the most beautiful view and see the beauty around me, which will reset the mood.”
The commuters also make for very fun days at work, she said. “I love seeing the same commuters daily,” she said. “The positive energy and interaction make it really fun. I love the fact that I have built rapport with many of them. It’s a real treat getting to know them on a personal level.” During those hectic times, the commuters also help this operations supervisor keep the operations going. “I love when it’s hectic and all of a sudden there is a friendly face to just smile at you and say hello.”
The views of the Bay, as well as the sunrises and sunsets, all contribute to Cargille’s favorite moments of her job, especially when such views can be shared with her favorite commuters. She also looks forward to the parade days throughout the year such as St. Patrick’s Day, Pride, and the World Series—which we’re getting accustomed to now! But she loves those crazy days, she said. “There’s never a dull moment around here.”
Great views, great customers and a great company—you’ll often find Cargille with a smile on her face. “Golden Gate Ferry is a great company to work for,” she said. “Not only do we work hard, but we also know how to laugh a lot and have fun! It’s a really happy place to be.”
When she’s not having a blast at work, she enjoys spending her free time at home with her four children. “I have two boys and two girls ranging from 21 down to 11,” she said. “My youngest son has autism so being at home can be like another full-time job; we like to go to the beach, play tennis, take walks and play games.”
Though she must drive to work as there’s no ferry terminal in Santa Rosa, she highly recommends taking the ferry. “It’s the most beautiful way to commute,” she said. “I wish I could commute by ferry. You can relax, unwind, have a cup of coffee in the morning and a glass of wine at the end of the day.”
