Port People: Georgia, Halifax, Long Beach

CMA CGM Executive Ed McCarthy Named COO at Georgia Ports Authority

Ed McCarthy has joined the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) as chief operating officer. Mr. McCarthy comes to the ports authority from Norfolk, where has been chief operating officer for CMA CGM America. September 6 was his first day on the new job.

"We're thrilled to bring on someone with Ed's expertise to oversee port operations," said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. "His experience at major shipping lines and port terminals on both coasts will deliver important insights as we work to capture new opportunities in Savannah and Brunswick."

At CMA CGM, Mr., McCarthy oversaw an annual budget of $1.9 billion and led a team of 150 employees, managing more than 400 vendors in marine, rail, trucking and logistics.

"It's an honor to join the team at the GPA," he said. "Georgia's ports are known throughout the industry as models of efficiency, and I am excited for the opportunity to help grow that success."

Named CMA CGM America's senior vice president of operations in 2011, he was promoted to chief operating officer in 2013. Earlier, he served in senior management and operations positions at Sealand Services, APM Terminals and Virginia International Terminals.

As GPA’s chief operating officer, Mr. McCarthy will be responsible for sustaining the profitable growth and development of port authority operations, while maintaining world-class operating standards. His direct reports include the directors of engineering and facilities maintenance; information technology; equipment maintenance and crane and ship operations; container operations; breakbulk and bulk operations; and the director of protective services, as well as the senior director of strategic operations and safety. A total staff of 973 employees will report to this position, which represents nearly 90 percent of the GPA's total workforce.

Mr. McCarthy’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the Maritime College at the State University of New York, a diploma in terminal management from Lloyd's Maritime Academy at Kent College, Dartford, UK, and an Master of Business Administration from William & Mary University, Mason School of Business. He has served as chairman of the board for Consolidated Chassis Management Company and as a member of the board of directors for the Ocean Carrier Equipment and Maintenance Association.

Ed McCarthy
Photo / Georgia Ports Authority

Halifax Port Authority Elects Chair and Vice Chair

The board of directors of the Halifax Port Authority recently elected Hector Jacques chair and Thomas J. Hayes vice-chair. Both appointments are effective October 11, 2016.

Hector Jacques, who was first appointed to the port authority board in March 2012 by the Halifax Regional Municipality, is the former CEO and co-founder of Jacques Whitford, one of the largest engineering firms in Canada. He was elected port authority vice chair in 2015. He chairs the board’s Security, Environment and Safety Committee.

Tom Hayes was appointed to the port authority board in June 2014 by the Province of Nova Scotia. Mr. Hayes is managing director of Pelorus Venture Capital Ltd., a regional venture capital fund focused on Atlantic Canada. He brings over 45 years of managerial and senior executive experience in the private, public and volunteer sectors to the Halifax Port Authority.

The port authority board consists of seven members – including one representative each of the provincial, municipal and federal governments and four port users’ representatives. Members are eligible to serve a maximum of three consecutive three-year terms.

Long Beach Port CEO Jon Slangerup Announces Resignation

Jon Slangerup
Photo/Port of Long Beach

Jon Slangerup is resigning as chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach, effective October 28. Mr. Slangerup, who joined the port in June 2014, has accepted a position as chairman and CEO of a leading aviation technology company.

Board of Harbor Commissioners President Lori Ann Guzmán thanked Mr. Slangerup for his service: "Jon has brought tremendous leadership, creativity and executive experience to the Port. His innovative vision and ability to lead in times of change and growth have made a marked difference in the history of our beloved Port. I and my fellow commissioners wish Jon continued success in his new role."

Soon after joining the port, Mr. Slangerup’s leadership was instrumental in addressing the historic congestion challenge that affected the San Pedro Bay port complex and the national goods movement network. He worked with stakeholders – local, regional and federal – to restore operations in less than half the time expected. Months later, in July 2015, the port set the strongest cargo record in more than a century of operations and the strongest performance since the Great Recession.

He has also overseen ongoing progress on the Port’s $4 billion, 10-year capital improvement plan, including the replacement of the Gerald Desmond Bridge and the development of the innovative Middle Harbor terminal. Additionally, the port achieved another milestone with the visit early this year of 18,000 TEU CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin.

The Board of Harbor Commissioners will oversee the search for a new CEO.