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Port People: New York, Oakland, Port Manatee, Seattle

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New York City: Maria Torres-Springer Named Next Economic Development Corporation President

Mayor Bill de Blasio has appointed Maria Torres Springer as the next president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Ms. Torres-Springer, who has been the city’s Small Business Services (SBS) commissioner since 2014, will be the first woman to head the agency.

"Maria has a proven track-record opening doors for New Yorkers and working closely with businesses to grow our economy. We are proud to have her lead EDC. Maria will focus on growing vital sectors in our economy, and preparing New Yorkers to seize those opportunities so they can be a part of our economic success story," said Mayor de Blasio. 

Before joining the SBS, Ms. Torres-Springer served as executive vice president and chief of staff at the NYCEDC, where, among other things, she oversaw the development and implementation of more than 100 initiatives designed to support innovation and entrepreneurship across all industries and led the Applied Sciences NYC initiative, spurring new applied science and engineering campuses across New York City. Earlier, she served as a senior policy advisor in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development & Rebuilding and as chief operating officer of Friends of the Highline. 

Ms. Torres-Springer received a B.A. in ethics, politics and economics from Yale University and a master’s in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. 

NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the city's competitive position. Among other things, it owns cruise terminals in Manhattan and Brooklyn and is spearheading the city’s effort to reestablish southwest Brooklyn as a shipping hub. NYCEDC is an AAPA Corporate member.

Maria Torres-Springer
Photo/New York City Department of Small Business Services


Oakland: Real Estate Lawyer Named to Port Commission 

Real estate attorney Joan H. Story has been appointed to the Port of Oakland Board of Port Commissioners. Her nomination to the post by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf was confirmed by the city council on July 7. Her first board meeting was July 11.

The city council also confirmed the reappointment of incumbent Port Commissioner Cestra "Ces" Butner.
Ms. Story, a partner in the international law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, has more than 35 years of experience representing developers, foreign and institutional investors and corporate users of commercial real estate. 

Ms. Story graduated of Occidental College and also holds a master’s in political science from UCLA and a law degree from UC Davis. She is a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. San Francisco Magazine ranked her among the top 50 lawyers, while the Daily Journal honored her with the designation "Real Estate Deal Maker of the Year. She was a member of The Trust for Public Land California Advisory Board and a board member of the Child Care Law Center.

Mr. Butner is president, CEO and owner of Horizon Beverage Company. The firm is among Black Enterprise’s top 100 Black-Owned Businesses nationally based on revenue. A University of Missouri graduate, he worked for major corporations in Chicago and Minneapolis before moving to Oakland. He has served on the boards of the East Bay YMCA and Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and as president of Sequoyah Country Club.

The port commission consists of seven members, all appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. Members are unpaid and serve four year terms. The other members are: Earl S. Hamlin (president), Alan S. Yee (first vice president), Michael Colbruno (second vice president), James W. Head, and Bryan Parker.


Oakland Port Commissioners Joan H. Story (left) and Cestra "Ces" Butner
Photos Courtesy of the Port of Oakland

Port Manatee’s Zimmermann Chosen for Leadership Program

Port Manatee’s marketing and public relations manager, Virginia Zimmermann, has been selected to participate in the 2015-2016 Leadership Manatee program, offered by the Manatee Chamber Foundation in partnership with Bradenton Kiwanis.

Ms. Zimmermann was chosen from among applicants as an active Manatee County leader most apt to apply knowledge and skills for long-term community benefit.

The 2015-2016 leadership training program, which is slated to begin with August 21-22 orientation and simulated society sessions, features lectures, discussions and field trips aimed at educating community leaders about the present and future needs of Manatee County.

More than 1,000 local leaders have graduated from Leadership Manatee since the program began in 1983.
Since joining the Port Manatee team in October 2013, Ms. Zimmermann has earned designation as a certified port executive from the MacDonnell Group and has led numerous award-winning endeavors, most recently with the port’s 2015 official directory and redesigned website being recognized with communications awards of merit from the American Association of Port Authorities.


Virginia Zimmerman
Photo/Port Manatee


Seattle: Paula Chan Edelstein Hired as Senior Director of Human Resources

Paula Chan Edelstein will be joining the Port of Seattle’s executive team on July 27. As senior director of human resources, she will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to the port’s human resources and development functions, including Talent Acquisition; Talent Development; Employee Relations; Organizational Development; Diversity; Employee Communications; HR Technology; Compensation, Benefits, Employee Recognition; and Employee Health and Safety. 

The position oversees six direct reports and approximately 35 employees. The Human Resources Division serves the port’s approximately 1800 employees. 

Ms. Chan Edelstein has worked at Weyerhaeuser for 20 years, leading development and implementation of human resources strategy, most recently at the company’s Cellulose Fibers Business, a $2 billion unit with 2,700 employees.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in labor relations and human resources from Michigan State University.

"Paula is a proven change leader who will be tasked with harnessing the potential of people and teams, recruiting and retaining the best and the brightest, and organizational excellence that will be critical to future success in our workforce," said Port CEO Ted Fick. "Paula is someone who values diversity and inclusion, and will help enable all employees to develop and perform at their best."


Paula Chan Edelstein
Photo/Port of Seattle
 

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