Duluth Seaway Port Authority Executive Director Adolph Ojard to Retire

Adolph N. Ojard, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, on May 23 announced his plans to retire this year.

A maritime transportation veteran, Mr. Ojard was named port authority executive director in March 2003. His retirement will end a career that included more than 30 years with transportation affiliates of U.S. Steel Corporation, where he held executive positions in rail, inland barging, and Great Lakes shipping. He was president of the Warrior Gulf Navigation Co. in Alabama until 1997, when he became general manager of both the DM&IR Railway and USS Great Lakes Fleet, regional railroad and vessel companies headquartered in Duluth. 

Well-known and respected throughout the Great Lakes, Mr. Ojard also has been actively involved with maritime policymaking initiatives at the federal level in his role as president of the American Great Lakes Ports Association and currently as chair of the U.S. Delegation of the American Association of Port Authorities. 

Mr. Ojard also chairs the Great Ships Initiative Advisory Committee, is a member of the U.S. DOT Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee and serves on the board of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.

A native of Knife River, Minn., Mr. Ojard earned a bachelor’s degree in literature and history and minored in political history, graduating with honors from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1971. His father, the late Adolph Ojard Sr., was the last master of Two Harbors’ legendary steam tug Edna G. The Edna G., built in 1896 and for many years the oldest working tug in the United States, was retired in 1981 and is now on permanent display in Two Harbors.

A national search is underway for a new executive director. The port authority board anticipates having that person hired by the end of summer/early fall. After a brief transitional time, Mr. Ojard will then settle into retirement fulltime. 

"It’s an exciting time to be part of the maritime industry, which makes it a good time to retire, while I have energy to take on a new adventure: retirement," said Mr. Ojard. "The Port Authority is in great shape. We’ve assembled an outstanding management team through the years. It’s been a privilege to work with this staff, our commissioners and the entire Twin Ports community. I’m confident that a new director will be warmly welcomed and feel as fortunate as I to have had this opportunity."

American Association of Port Authorities
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