Executive Director – Connecticut Port Authority
The 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’s ports and harbors, enhancing their contribution to the
state’s economic development.
Introduction
The 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.
As such the CPA is responsible for, among other things, 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 off shore wind turbines under a long term
contract with terminal operator Gateway and sub contractor 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.
Responsibilities
Vision and Strategy. The Executive Director must 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.
Position Specifics
– Manage a current staff of three full time professionals and one part time employee,
and over time hire staff as appropriate to fit development growth of the CPA.
– Over time, with the cooperation of the terminal operator Gateway to 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. This will
enhance Connecticut’s position as a general cargo importer and exporter.
– To work with labor unions to ensure peace and productivity, which we now enjoy.
– 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 in concert with present CPA staff relationships in the freight shipping,
cruise lines, intermodal and logistics industries, to include 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.
-Awareness and appreciation of Connecticut’s maritime history dating back from the
present to colonial times and further before that. Also general knowledge of
Connecticut.
Public Relations
– To develop 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.
Qualifications
– -Proven 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.
Other
– -The candidate must be prepared to live in Connecticut.
– -This position is subject to background checks and references.
7/7 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” Mylott
Partner, Flagship Management
US: +1 954 635 5565
jack@flagshipmgt.com