2023 Holiday Issue

BRETT WISS DOUGLAS
LOCAL
VOICES
In October, Brett Wiss Douglas, 45, became commodore of the historic Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, making club history on two fronts:
She is the first third-generation commodore and the first woman to hold the position at the 118-year-old establishment.
“I think there have been many women before me that could have held this honorable position, but the timing may not have been right,”
she said of the two-year position. Her family legacy at the club dates back to the beginning. Her great-great-grandfather, Pierre Brett,
was one of the founding members, helping merge the Hopatcong Lake and Field Club and the Hopatcong Junior Club in 1904, which
would become the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club. Her grandfather and father were both commodores and her grandmother and mother
were both Women’s Auxiliary presidents. “We are very lucky to have many strong, capable women at the club,” she said.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I live in Hopatcong. I grew up in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, but would come to the lake every summer as a child for sailing and
swimming lessons at the club. When I was a teenager, my parents started renting houses on the lake. When I was in college,
they bought a property and moved out of Dingmans to be on the lake year round. Dingmans
Ferry was beautiful, a great place to grow up, but the lake has always had my heart. I was
very lucky to be driving a boat at age 13, with independence on the lake.
WHO MAKES UP YOUR FAMILY?
I am married 17 years to Michael Douglas. We have two kids, Connor, 15, and Annabel, 11.
We have a dog named Lulu and a cat named Rocket.
HOW DO YOU EARN A LIVING?
I am currently working part time at Andover Mohawk Physical Therapy as a receptionist.
Out of college, I went to New York City and worked in advertising as a media buyer.
WHAT’S THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A COMMODORE?
First, you have to be nominated. Once approved, you serve two years as
rear commodore (in charge of member entertainment). Then you move
up to vice commodore (in charge of “house and grounds,” which includes
all improvements or repairs, staffing and overall condition of the club).
Then you move up to commodore, where you are in charge of the whole
shebang!
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE FIRST WOMAN COMMODORE?
It is an incredible honor. I don’t think it was ever a slight to women to
have not had a female in this position. I think it was just the right time
and the right circumstances for me to get the job. And I am truly, truly
honored and completely devoted to the role.
DESCRIBE THE TYPE OF PERSON YOU ARE.
I’m a hard worker. When there’s something I want to do or achieve I
go all in. I love to laugh, and I try to surround myself with fun, happy
people. I’m very athletic (although sidelined by an Achilles injury).
I’m loyal and caring, and I love fiercely! If you’re in my heart, I’ll do
whatever I can to take care of you. I’m a strong woman who fights
and works hard for what she believes in. I’m considerate, courteous,
kind and I love dad jokes.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN LIFE AND WHY?
My grandfather, Thomas Henry Wiss III, has been my hero since I
was a young child. He was so funny, loving, kind and made me feel
so loved. He was a hard worker, admired by all and always made
me feel strong and supported. My parents, Thomas H. Wiss IV and
Eugenia Wiss, were also huge influences in my life. And my husband
and children.
IS THERE ANYTHING MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED
TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
When I was about 17 or 18, I lived in a shack in the parking lot at
the yacht club for two summers while teaching sailing!
involved invested strong
I AM I AM I AM
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