New Orleans: Rusty Barkerding Takes Seat on the Port Board

Robert “Rusty” Barkerding Jr. was sworn in February 8 for a five-year term as the newest member of the board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. He replaces Valerie S. Cahill, whose term had expired.

Mr. Barkerding is president and CEO of Admiral Security Services, a maritime-focused security firm that works in conjunction with the U.S. Government to provide armed guards to vessels and ports on the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana and in ports in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Previously, he served in the U.S. Navy submarine service and as an active duty and reserve member of the New Orleans Police Department. 

A graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, Mr. Barkerding has acted as a consultant and served in administrative capacities at ports in New York and New Jersey, as well as the U.S. Gulf. 

He is an active member of the Covington (LA) Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board and the Knights of Columbus. His father, the late Robert R. Barkerding Sr., served on New Orleans port board and then as the port’s chief executive before retiring in 1970.

New Orleans port commissioners are unsalaried and serve five-year staggered terms. The governor appoints board members from a list of three nominees submitted by 19 local civic, labor, education and maritime groups. The board reflects the three-parish jurisdiction with four members from Orleans Parish, two from Jefferson Parish and one from St. Bernard Parish. 

Other board members include Chairman Joseph F. Toomy, Vice Chairman Daniel Packer, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Rusovich, Scott Cooper, William T. Bergeron and Michael W. Kearney. 

American Association of Port Authorities
Asociación Americana de Autoridades Portuarias
1201 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 860, Washington, D.C. 20024
E: info@aapa-ports.org
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