Executive Director
: Job Details :

Executive Director- Connecticut Port AuthorityThe Connecticut Port Authority is seeking an Executive Director to lead the development and growth of the state's maritime economy. This role involves working closely with the Board of Directors to shape and implement a strategic vision for Connecticut'sports and harbors, enhancing their contribution to the state's economic development.IntroductionThe Connecticut Port Authority (CPA) was established by the Connecticut State Legislature in 2014 as a quasi public/private standalone maritime agency to replace the State Maritime Commission which was an agency of the CT Department of Transportation. The CPA is responsible for managing the state-owned State Pier at New London, CT, a deep water port. This pier is the only facility for receiving and assembling components for offshore wind turbines under a long-term contract with terminal operator Gateway and subcontractor wind component manufacturer Orsted (a Danish company). The State Pier is also capable of accepting bulk and break bulk cargo (but not containers) as well as cruise liners. No Connecticut port is capable of accepting containers owing to lack of on pier cranes and storage acreage. The CPA is also responsible for marketing the state's two other deep water ports, those of New Haven and Bridgeport, both of which are city-owned and managed. Further, the CPA, through its unique SHIPP (Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program) administers and awards grant funding. Improvement projects include dredging, Harbor Management Plans, municipal marina and boat ramp construction or renovations. The State's small harbors which are used by the recreational boating community, the commercial and pleasure fishing community, and public access are an important aspect of the mission of the CPA.ResponsibilitiesVision and Strategy: Collaborate with the CPA Board of Directors to create and advance a maritime strategy to include economic development for the state with respect to an increase in maritime imports and exports at the State's three deep water ports, which may also include the development of so-called inland custom free ports.Manage a current staff of three full-time professionals and one part-time employee, and over time hire staff as appropriate to fit the development growth of the CPA.With the cooperation of the terminal operator Gateway, pivot the New London State Pier to more of a general cargo and cruise liner port, without disturbing the long-term contract for wind turbine assembly with Orsted.Work with labor unions to ensure peace and productivity.Timely filing of required State reports.Work with the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers as appropriate.Work with a variety of Connecticut environmental groups concerned with salt and fresh water health.Researching and writing grant availabilities and proposals.Work with the commercial fishing and recreational boating communities addressing their concerns.Develop relationships in the freight shipping, cruise lines, intermodal and logistics industries, including development of relationships in the railroad, trucking, warehousing and other intermodal industries to increase product throughput in Connecticut ports.Facilitate development and maintenance of port and harbor infrastructure including dredging and facility infrastructure such as Pier 7 (New London), as appropriate.Maintain awareness and appreciation of Connecticut's maritime history and general knowledge of Connecticut.Public RelationsDevelop a robust public relations program to include representing Connecticut's ports in municipal, state, national and international forums as well as maritime industry trade groups.QualificationsProven experience in port management operations.Proven experience in public/private collaboration.Proven experience with shipping companies and maritime industry network.Proven experience in labor relations.Proven experience in port economic development.Proven experience in maritime logistics infrastructure.Proven experience in working with shippers and receivers of bulk and breakbulk cargo.Proven experience in Federal and State grant availabilities.Proven experience in project management.Proven experience in stakeholder communications.Familiarity with CPA enabling legislation.OtherThe candidate must be prepared to live in Connecticut. This position is subject to background checks and references.Education- BA or BS degree- MBA preferred with courses in logistics management, trade finance, economics and maritime management.For additional information and confidential consideration, contact:John F. Jack  MylottPartner, Flagship ManagementUS: +1 954 ### ####jack@#J-18808-Ljbffr