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Port People: New York/New Jersey

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New York/New Jersey: Molly Campbell to Succeed Rick Larrabee as Director of the Port Authority’s Port Commerce Department

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has selected former Los Angeles port executive Molly Campbell, PPM®, as director of port commerce. Ms. Campbell will replace retiring Port Commerce Director Richard Larrabee, who will leave the agency after 15 years of overseeing the bi-state seaport complex.

Ms. Campbell joined the Port of Los Angeles in 2000 as chief financial officer and was promoted to deputy executive director in January 2007. During her tenure, she was responsible for key strategic development projects, operations and maintenance, as well as management of the port’s annual operating and capital budgets. She also played active roles in national and international logistics associations, including vice chair of the Finance Committee for the International Association of Ports and Harbors and chair of AAPA’s Maritime Economic Development Committee. Earlier this year, she earned AAPA’s Professional Manager (PPM®) certification (Advisory, February 18, 2015.

Ms. Campbell also was a member of the City of Long Beach Planning Commission, where she is a resident. Ms. Campbell recently moved to become the director of financial management systems at Los Angeles World Airports for the City of Los Angeles, helping bring multi-modal transportation experience to her new role at the port authority.

"Molly is a rising star in the maritime community, and we’re fortunate to get someone with her leadership, financial and management skills to advance our port’s longstanding reputation as a premier generator of jobs and economic activity," said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. "At the same time, we’re also losing a maritime legend in Rick Larrabee, who during 47 years of Coast Guard and Port Authority service truly exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. Rick’s strategic vision helped drive major agency projects such as the harbor deepening, ExpressRail, the raising of the roadway of the Bayonne Bridge, and the Council on Port Performance to improve productivity, positioning the port for the future. We wish Rick and his family the best in his retirement."

Ms. Campbell will join the port authority on July 27 at a time when cargo volumes in the Port of New York and New Jersey are at record levels and port stakeholders are working cooperatively to develop more efficient ways to handle expected cargo growth. Under Mr. Larrabee’s watch, the agency and other port stakeholders established the Port Performance Task Force in December 2013, which developed 23 recommendations for ways to improve port efficiency and productivity. A group of stakeholders subsequently formed the Council on Port Performance, which is now implementing the recommendations.

In addition, the agency is currently undertaking a project to raise the roadway of the Bayonne Bridge to remove a critical navigational impediment for post Panamax ships traveling to and from port terminals. The navigational clearance component of the project is scheduled for completion in 2016 to coincide with completion of the widening of the Panama Canal.

During Mr. Larrabee’s career, the port authority also undertook major initiatives including an expansion of the port’s ExpressRail system, the deepening of harbor channels to 45 feet and continued work to deepen the same channels to 50 feet, major improvements to better secure port facilities, and the modernization of port terminals. While the port has been preparing for larger ships and more cargo, it continues to focus on reducing its environmental footprint. The port’s initiatives included the Truck Replacement Program and the Ocean-Going Vessel Low-Sulfur Fuel Program.

Before joining the Port Authority in 2000, Mr. Larrabee spent 32 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as a rear admiral. During his Coast Guard service, he served a tour as Coast Guard Captain of the Port, New York. His final assignment was as Commander, First Coast Guard District in Boston, Mass., during which time he oversaw the search and rescue operations following the fatal plane crash of John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1999 and the subsequent crash of Egypt Air Flight 990 later that same year.
Molly Campbell (left) and Richard Larrabee
Photos/Port of Los Angeles (Campbell) and William Perlman, NJ Advance Media (Larrabee)


Ryan Hart to Join Port of Vancouver USA as Chief External Affairs Officer

The Port of Vancouver USA has hired Ryan Hart as chief external affairs officer, effective June 22. Mr. Hart has served as district director for U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler since January 2011.

"Ryan was one of the first people I hired for my congressional office, and he’s been instrumental in helping me serve the people of Southwest Washington. As District Director, Ryan made sure that everyone who contacts my office is treated with respect, and that we help every person in our district to the best of our abilities," said Rep. Herrera Beutler. "While his successor in my office will have big shoes to fill, I’m happy for Ryan and he’s heading to this new role with my full support. In addition to his strengths as a seasoned communicator and manager, what stands out is Ryan’s positive outlook and collaborative approach to every opportunity and challenge. The Port of Vancouver is very fortunate to be adding Ryan to their team."

As chief external affairs officer, Mr. Hart will cultivate relationships with people and organizations at every level of government and oversee communications, community outreach, governmental affairs and marketing.

Prior to working for Rep. Herrera Beutler, Mr. Hart spent nine years as vice president of instructional design at Genesis Performance Systems.

Mr. Hart’s degrees include a bachelor’s in Public Relations from Washington State University and a master’s in Organizational Development and Training from Oregon State University. He is a member of Metro Sunset Rotary Club and a board member with the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools.


Ryan Hart will join the port as its new Chief External Affairs Officer on June 22, 2015. 
Photo/Ryan Hart
 

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