Port People: Indiana, San Diego, Stockton

 

A former North Carolina Ports executive with Indiana-ties has been named port director for the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville. Jeff Miles, a born-and-raised Hoosier and veteran of the maritime industry, has returned to Indiana to lead port operations and business development at the southern Indiana port. 

 

Miles' industry experience includes more than 30 years as a senior-level manager in the port, maritime transportation, and logistics sectors. As a key member of the North Carolina State Ports Authority senior executive team from 2005 to 2017, Miles held positions including chief operating officer, deputy executive director, and interim chief executive officer. Prior to his time at the North Carolina Ports, Miles served 10 years as the general manager of container operations at the South Carolina State Ports Authority, and three years as president of a private marine terminal company specializing in bulk and break-bulk operations.

 

"Jeff's extensive port operations and leadership experience, coupled with his background in strategic planning, perfectly position our Jeffersonville port for continued growth," said Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper.

 

 

The Port of San Diego is pleased to name Donna Morales as its new District Clerk.  Morales, who was sworn in as District Clerk on January 2, 2018, previously served as the Port’s Manager of Commissioner and Executive Services. In that position, she managed the staff that provides administrative support to the Board of Port Commissioners. 

 

As District Clerk, Morales is responsible for maintaining the Port District Code and ensuring compliance with the governances of the Public Records Act, the Brown Act, the Political Reform Act, the Port’s Ethics Policy and Robert’s Rules of Order. She will also manage and direct the Office of the District Clerk, which includes docket coordination for Board of Port Commissioners meetings and Board committees. Additionally, Morales will oversee Port-wide records management programs and responses to Public Records Act requests.

"Donna Morales has proven to be a true public servant during her career at the Port of San Diego," said Randa Coniglio, the Port’s President & CEO. "I have every confidence that the strong leadership skills she has demonstrated during her 16 years here will assist the Port with its commitment to being an open and transparent government agency."

"I am honored to be appointed to the position of District Clerk for the Port of San Diego," said Morales.  "I look forward to helping to build upon the great work the staff and our retiring District Clerk, Tim Deuel, have been doing."

Morales began her career at the Port in 2002, starting out in the Audit, Risk Management and Safety Department before being promoted to Manager of Commissioner and Executive Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of the Pacific.

 

The Port of Stockton announced the election of a new Chair and Vice-Chair for 2018. Following a vote by the Port of Stockton Commissioners, Sylvester Aguilar has been named Chairman and Stephen Griffen Vice-Chairman.

 

Mr. Aguilar is Senior Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager Team Lead for the Mid-Valley Business Banking Offices of Bank of the West. Mr. Aguilar is a Stockton native who is very active in the community. Mr. Aguilar serves on the boards of a number of area non-profits, including the CSUS College of Business Advisory Board, The Business Council and the Stockton Symphony Circle. He also is Past President of the San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Aguilar holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business, is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School and has completed graduate work at Golden Gate University.

 

"I am humbled by the faith and confidence that my peers have placed in me," Aguilar said. "Serving on the Port Commission is a distinct honor and I feel privileged and blessed to play a role in ensuring the continuing success of the largest economic driver in our region."

 

Mr. Griffen, a lifelong resident of Stockton, began working at the Port as a longshoreman in 1977. Since 1984, he has been owner of Country Club Service and Bob’s Lube, and also is the owner of Country Club Smog.

 

"Both Sylvester and Stephen bring unique and invaluable expertise to the Board of Commissioners," said Elizabeth Blanchard, departing Chair for the Port of Stockton. "They are both Stockton natives and are committed to bringing new business and opportunities to the region. I am confident the Port will continue to flourish under their guidance. I am looking forward to working with the new leadership".