Port People; Houston, Longview, San Diego, Stockton

DonCarlos and Kennedy Re-Appointed to Houston Port Commission

Stephen H. DonCarlos and John D. Kennedy have each been reappointed to the port commission of the port commission of the Port of Houston Authority– Mr. DonCarlos by the Harris County Mayors’ and Councils’ Association and Mr. Kennedy by the Harris County Commissioners Court.

Mr. DonCarlos has been mayor of the City of Baytown since May 2006. He is also an attorney with the firm of Reid, Strickland & Gillette, L.L.P. He is former chair of the Harris County Hospital District, served on the board of directors of the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the East Harris County Bar Association, and is on the board of directors of the Texas Medical Center, and the Houston Bar Association.

Mr. DonCarlos was first appointed to the port commission in September 2013. He chairs its Governance Committee and sits on its Community Relations Committee.

Mr. Kennedy retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army after 27 years of military service that focused on logistics, leadership, and management. Subsequently, he served as city manager of the City of Nassau Bay (TX) for more than 10 years.

Mr. Kennedy is chairman of the port commission’s procurement and small business development task force and serves on its the governance and community relations committees. He has been a port commissioner since December 2012.

Seven Harris County residents serve as port commissioners of the Port of Houston Authority. They are unpaid for their services and may serve a maximum of 12 years, or six 2-year terms. Two are appointed by the Harris County Commissioners Court, two by the Houston City Council and one each by the Harris County Mayors’ and Councils Association and the City of Pasadena. The chairman is appointed jointly by the city council and the commissioners court.


Houston Port Commissioners Stephen H. DonCarlos (left) and John D. Kennedy
Photos/Port of Houston Authority

Longview: Krehbiel Named Interim Port CEO

The board of commissioners of the Port of Longview voted at its January 26 meeting to appoint current Chief Operating Officer Norm Krehbiel interim chief executive officer.

He replaces former Port of Longview CEO Geir Kalhagen, who was released by the board earlier this month.
Mr. Krehbiel joined the port in 1993 as director of facilities and engineering, a role he held simultaneously with his role as COO. In this capacity, he managed the construction and maintenance of nearly 850 acres of infrastructure and development.

He was promoted in 2008 to deputy executive director and later named chief operating officer.

"Norm is a steadying influence with a strong track record," said Commission President Bob Bagaason. "We as a commission have all of the confidence in the world that he will continue to do well for the port in this new capacity."
Mr. Krehbiel, who holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, sits on the boards of the Public Facilities District and Southwest Washington Regional Airport.


Norm Krehbiel
Photo/Port Longview

Port of San Diego Appoints Heule and Edwards to Vice President Positions

The Port of San Diego has appointed two new executives, both of whom bring considerable leadership experience and expertise from the private sector.

Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer Bella Heule, formerly executive vice president of World Trade Centers Association, began work on December 1.

Vice President/Chief Operating Officer T. Scott Edwards, a former executive in the consumer technology industry, began work on October 19.

Bella Heule was named executive vice president of World Trade Centers Association in 2012, after serving as president and CEO of World Trade Center San Diego for 10 years. Earlier positions include import/export manager for a Swiss automotive accessory company, international sales representative and export manager for SNUGTOP, and as executive vice president of World Trade Center Association Los Angeles-Long Beach.

She earned a degree from Neuchâtel Business College in Switzerland and certification as a global logistics specialist from Cal State Long Beach. At the port, she oversees the maritime trade, marketing and communications, and government relations functions, as well as other external relations.

 
Bella Heule
Photo/Port of San Diego

T. Scott Edwards’ background spans more than 30 years in various organizations, most recently as senior vice president, chief marketing officer and general manager of Cricket Communications. He has also held executive general management and corporate marketing positions with Hewlett-Packard, Gateway, and Sony. Mr. Edwards began his career in the advertising business working at Leo Burnett Inc. in Chicago. He graduated from Denison University with a bachelor’s degree in theology and philosophy.  He oversees the port’s operating division, including enterprise strategy and innovation, real estate development, land planning and green port, as well as new business development.


T. Scott Edwards
Photo/Port of San Diego

"I am delighted to welcome our new hires, Bella Heule and T. Scott Edwards, to join our hard-working executive leadership team and carry out the Port’s commitment to public service," said Port President and CEO Randa Coniglio. "We were impressed with their experience in the private sector, which will translate well to the entrepreneurial approach of this financially self-sustaining public agency. Collectively, our two new executives bring extensive experience in executive leadership, global trade, business development, and strategic planning. They also bring a global network of contacts." 

Stockton Port Commissioner Elizabeth Blanchard to Serve a Third Term

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors has voted to appoint Dr. Elizabeth Blanchard to a third four-year term on the Stockton Port District Commission.

Dr. Blanchard, who has been on the commission since 2008, holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of the Pacific, and is professor emeritus of San Joaquin Delta College Psychology Department and the University of the Pacific School of Education. She previously served eight years on Stockton City Planning Commission and two years on the San Joaquin County Planning Commission.
   
Dr. Blanchard regularly attends AAPA functions and is a member of its Maritime Economic Development Committee. She is also second vice president of the Association of Pacific Ports.

The port district commission consists of seven members – four appointed by the City of Stockton and three by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. The other commissioners are: Gary Christopherson, chair; R. Jay Allen, vice chair; Sylvester Aguilar; Michael Patrick Duffy; Stephen Griffen; and Victor Mow.

 
Dr. Elizabeth Blanchard
Photo/Port of Stockton