Executive Director

Executive Director Baltimore, MD Port of Baltimore, MD Career Opportunity About Port of Baltimore, MD The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) operates the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, a major economic engine for the Baltimore region and the State of Maryland. The Port generates over 20,300 direct jobs, with nearly 273,000 jobs overall linked to Port activity. It ranks among the nation’s top ports for volume of autos, light trucks, roll-on/roll-off cargo, construction and heavy equipment, and imported materials. Recent performance highlights include: Strong cargo growth across autos, containers, breakbulk, and general cargo, with double-digit growth in roll-on/roll-off cargo and notable increases in container and general cargo compared to prior years. The Port handled $74.3 billion in foreign cargo value and achieved new records across several lines of business (autos, containers, forest products). Major infrastructure expansions underway, including CSX’s Howard Street Tunnel expansion, enabling double-stack rail access and increasing container throughput capacity by approximately 160,000 containers annually, along with significant job creation. A uniquely deep 50-foot berth, 50-foot channel, and Super Post-Panamax cranes supporting ultra‑large container ship operations. The recent arrival of the Evergreen Ever Max (165,350 tons; 15,432 TEU capacity) which underscores Baltimore’s ability to accommodate the largest vessels calling on the East Coast. The Department Governing Structure MPA is an agency of the State of Maryland and a modal administration within the Maryland Department of Transportation of MDOT. The Executive Director: Reports to the Secretary of MDOT, who serves as Chair of the Maryland Port Commission (MPC). Is appointed by the Secretary, subject to the approval of the Governor. Does not require Senate confirmation. Operates under Maryland law (Title 6 of the Transportation Article) and must comply with State budget, procurement, personnel, and disclosure rules. The MPC consists of seven commissioners, all appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Position The Executive Director of MPA serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Port of Baltimore, responsible for advancing the Port’s competitiveness, strengthening commercial growth, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and maintaining resilient, modern infrastructure. The Executive Director oversees all port terminals, maritime operations, business development, engineering, security, environmental compliance, financial management, and workforce development across the Port’s public terminals. Among other things, the Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic direction and implementing a high-quality sustainable vision that will provide lasting economic benefits to the Port and Maryland as a whole. The Executive Director represents the Port regionally, nationally, and internationally, building strong partnerships with carriers, maritime stakeholders, labor unions, private businesses, community groups, and federal/state governmental partners. Key Responsibilities: Strategic & Commercial Leadership- Develop and implement a forward-looking strategic vision for the Port. Position the Port competitively within the global maritime sector. Grow business across all major cargo categories (autos, containers, breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off, cruise). Lead marketing, commercial negotiations, and long-term growth strategies to attract new carriers, shipping lines, and tenants. Represent the Port in national maritime forums, including AAPA and MARAD. Operational Excellence- Direct the management of all Port operations across state-owned marine terminals, including finances, procurement, human capital, engineering, maintenance, administration, tenant relations and business development. Ensure safe, secure, resilient operations that meet federal/state maritime regulations. Provide vision, motivation, and leadership to personnel towards the achievement of the Port’s mission, strategy, and goals. Strengthen port efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness. Oversee emergency preparedness, incident response, and continuity plans. Capital Program & Infrastructure Development Lead the planning and delivery of major capital projects, including wharf rehabilitation, terminal modernization, dredging programs, and equipment upgrades. Direct and manage efforts to obtain local, state, and federal financial resources to support Port programs of projects. Coordinate with MDOT, and external partners to deliver infrastructure on time and within budget. Manage the State of Maryland’s Dredged Material Management Program Support, champion, and market with Port stakeholders transformative projects like double-stack rail capability and berth expansion. Financial Management- Oversee annual operating and capital budgets. Ensure strong financial stewardship, transparency, and adherence to State fiscal rules. Manage rate structures, leases, contracts, and long-term revenue strategy to ensure the port is as self-sustaining as possible. Stakeholder & Community Engagement- Foster positive relationships with labor organizations, maritime businesses, community groups, elected officials, and federal/state regulatory partners. Maintain strong union partnerships and support collaborative labor relations. Communicate consistently and transparently with customers, partners, and the public. Organizational & Workforce Leadership- Manage a large, diverse workforce including operations, engineering, commercial, administrative, and environmental staff. Promote a high-performance, inclusive culture with accountability and professional development. Oversee contractor and vendor management across terminals and port facilities. Qualifications The ideal candidate is a visionary, decisive, and commercially savvy leader— preferably a sitting seasoned executive director or deputy director from a major port or an experienced executive