Executive Director (CEO)
Louisiana Gateway Port, New Orleans, LA, United States
THE OPPORTUNITY
Louisiana Gateway Port (LGP) sits at a transformative moment in its evolution. Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River—one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors—the Port is uniquely positioned to serve as a premier gateway connecting global shipping lanes with the economic engine of the U.S. heartland.
The Board of Commissioners seeks an accomplished and visionary Executive Director to lead Louisiana Gateway Port through its next phase of growth. This leader will guide the Port’s long-range strategy, accelerate commercial development, and strengthen its market position as a major hub for global trade, logistics, and industrial investment along the Gulf Coast.
The Executive Director will inherit an organization with strong fundamentals and significant momentum. The Port’s geographic advantages—including deepwater access, proximity to international shipping lanes, multimodal connectivity, and the absence of air draft restrictions—enable it to accommodate the world’s largest vessels while facilitating efficient cargo movement across global supply chains.
This role represents a rare opportunity to lead one of the nation’s most strategically positioned port authorities at a time of increasing global trade demand, supply chain transformation, and infrastructure investment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Board, public officials, industry partners, and regional stakeholders to realize the Port’s growth potential while driving operational excellence and responsible stewardship.
THE POSITION
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and performance of the organization, including operational oversight, infrastructure development, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement.
The role requires a dynamic leader capable of navigating the intersection of public governance and private-sector commerce. The Executive Director will lead the organization through a period of significant opportunity, advancing the Port’s long-term vision while ensuring efficient operations, sound financial management, and strong relationships with key stakeholders.
The Executive Director will oversee senior leadership across areas including operations, finance, engineering, administration, government affairs, and business development. The position requires close collaboration with federal and state agencies, maritime and logistics partners, industry associations, and community stakeholders.
Above all, the Executive Director will champion the Port’s mission to promote economic development, expand global trade opportunities, and strengthen Louisiana’s role as a leading gateway for international commerce.
THE CANDIDATE
Louisiana Gateway Port seeks a forward-thinking, commercially minded leader capable of guiding a complex public port authority in a rapidly evolving maritime and logistics environment. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, operational leadership, financial acumen, and the political awareness required to navigate a dynamic public‑sector landscape. This executive must effectively balance public stewardship with private‑sector commercial development while building trust among a broad range of stakeholders. An accomplished communicator and relationship builder, the successful candidate will inspire confidence among the Board, staff, industry partners, and the broader maritime community.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 10 years of senior executive leadership experience in a port authority, maritime, logistics, transportation, infrastructure, or related environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex organizations with broad operational, financial, and strategic responsibilities.
- Proven success driving business development, cargo growth, and commercial partnerships.
- Experience managing or overseeing major infrastructure or capital development projects.
- Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, capital investment, and funding strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within public-sector governance structures and political environments.
- Excellent communication, relationship management, and leadership skills.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business, economics, transportation, engineering, public administration, or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or equivalent) is preferred.