Port People: Duluth, Long Beach, Vancouver USA

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Executive Director Vanta Coda receives Distinguished Service Award from Center for Transportation Studies

Vanta E. Coda
Photo/Duluth Seaway Port Authority

The University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) has presented its 2017 William K. Smith Distinguished Service Award to Vanta E. Coda, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, for his leadership in freight transportation and logistics and contributions to leadership, mentorship and education of future leaders in private sector freight transportation.

The award was presented at the CTS annual meeting and awards luncheon February 15 on the University of Minnesota campus. CTS uses the event to thank individuals who volunteer their time in support of transportation research, education and engagement activities at the university and to acknowledge outstanding contributions of professionals and students.

Mr. Coda has been the port authority’s executive director since October 2013, capping a career that spans more than 20 years in multimodal transportation and logistics. He currently sits on the AAPA board of directors and serves as president for the Minnesota Ports Association. He is an active member of the American Great Lakes Ports Association, the Chamber of Marine Commerce Board and the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council. He also serves on the University of Wisconsin-Superior Transportation and Logistics Advisory Board and the U.S. DOT Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee (MTSNAC).

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Mr. Coda began his career in Chicago in 1993 with the Illinois Central Railroad, becoming director of marketing and sales following its merger with CN. He went on to management positions with the Westlake Group of Companies, American Commercial Lines, Dynegy Inc., and served most recently as Director of Global Logistics for Nabors Industries in Houston.

Long Beach Names Sean Gamette Managing Director of Engineering Services

Sean Gamette
Photo/Port of Long Beach

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners on February 13 approved the promotion of Port of Long Beach senior executive Sean Gamette to managing director of engineering services.

Mr. Gamette will lead a bureau that oversees and executes engineering and construction projects and maintenance for the Harbor Department.

He succeeds Doug Thiessen, who retired earlier this year.

In his most recent position as chief harbor engineer and director of the program delivery group, Mr. Gamette headed a team of managers, engineers, inspectors, surveyors, technicians and support staff responsible for the port’s capital investment program. This decade, the port is undergoing $4 billion in modernization to increase efficiencies, reduce environmental impacts and strengthen competitiveness.

Mr. Gamette joined the port in 2003 as a senior program manager, was promoted to deputy chief harbor engineer in 2009 and assumed leadership of the program delivery group in 2013. He has a BS degree in civil engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

"Sean has worked on projects in the Harbor as an engineer for almost 20 years, since before he even joined us," said Interim Chief Executive Duane Kenagy. "His institutional knowledge and collaborative demeanor will serve the Engineering Services Bureau well as we complete the projects that are important to maintaining our competitiveness in this rapidly changing industry."

Vancouver USA: Julianna Marler Becomes Port’s First Female CEO

Julianna Marler
Photo/Port of Vancouver USA

The board of commissioners of the Port of Vancouver USA on February 14 confirmed the appointment of Julianna Marler as CEO/executive director. She is the port’s first female chief executive.

The employment agreement approved by the board includes a $202,801 annual salary, $500 monthly car allowance and deferred compensation totaling 15 percent of her salary for a term of four years.

"I’m excited about where the port is going and honored to lead this great team," Ms. Marler said. "I look forward to working with our commissioners to ensure the port continues to be an economic engine and a good partner in building a strong and vibrant community."

Her priorities as CEO include:

• Completing the port’s $275 million West Vancouver Freight Access project in early 2018

• Completing the 125,000-square-foot Centennial Industrial Building this summer and leasing space to new or expanding employers

• Continuing to move Terminal 1 forward to realize the port’s vision for its historic waterfront property

• Creating a new strategic plan that incorporates the vision of the port’s commissioners, community and staff

• Building strong relationships with community and business partners

• Connecting with the community to continue sharing the port’s purpose, projects and accomplishments

• Ensuring the port continues to be a good steward of public dollars through financial sustainability and responsible growth
  

Ms. Marler joined the port in September 2008 as senior manager of contracts and became chief financial and administrative officer in October 2014. Earlier, she worked nine years for the City of Vancouver.

The board named her interim CEO after the departure last May of Todd Coleman.