It’s been exactly four weeks since Jim Catino began his journey as the food and beverage manager at NAS Whidbey. In his new position, he oversees the operations of the CPO Club, Officers’ Club and catered events.

Catino took over the position, formerly held by Judy Werner, eagerly anticipating building upon her management. Catino brings a wealth of experience, fresh ideas and most importantly, respect for the traditions on which the facilities were built.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern Oregon, Catino worked for various casinos and restaurants throughout Nevada for 13 years.

His most prominent position there was as the Corporate Beverage Director of three different casinos for three years. He also spent six years working in various management positions for the venerable Circus Circus Corporation.

Catino plans to use that experience to increase patronage and participation at the CPO and officers’ clubs.

“Part of my job is ensuring that the members have fun and unwind in their down time,” he said. “I want to develop more special events and theme nights. There’s a desire and a need for those kinds of things among both chiefs and officers. We just have to design and promote the activities so that they want to attend.”

A few examples of coming activities Catino and his staff have planned exemplify his dedication to improving and increasing member events. Officers’ Club members can look forward to Valentines dinner for two on Feb. 14 and a seafood feast for the family Feb. 24.

The CPO Club will enhance some happy hours to include more extravagant hors d’oeuvres than popcorn. Barons of beef come to mind for Catino.

“We can occasionally do it up big,” he said. “Everyone in that lounge is a member. They’ve paid their dues, both in time, service and money and deserve a return on their investment.”

Catino is implementing his changes gradually, as he wants to be able to observe the day-to-day operations and culture of both facilities and from there decide what patrons want. He’s been spending a lot of time during this first month in training: studying accounting, ordering and operations systems. But just as importantly, Catino has been interacting with club members, customers and employees.

“Everyone, from the employee to the patron, takes ownership in the success of these clubs,” he said. “It’s really impressive and provides me a lot of support in my goals. The empowerment of employees is so important to me. They play such a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction.”

Catino also holds a great deal of respect for the military honor essential to the operation of both facilities. This is Catino’s first position working on a military base, but he has worked with military groups before, including planning events and banquets for personnel at Nellis Air Force Base, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty nine Palms and Naval Air Station Fallon.

“I’m still learning when it comes to military vernacular, but I know that there’s so much tradition in most every aspect of both the CPO and Officers’ Clubs. I want to uphold what is sacred in each building,” said Catino.

It’s a large responsibility, but Catino came prepared for the expectations.

“This is absolutely a six-days-a-week job,” he added. “There is so much that I’m involved with in this position. But I’ve been in the food and beverage industry for 31 years; the work and time are second nature to me. I enjoy putting forth the effort.”