By Kathy Chouteau
The City of Richmond has welcomed its new Port Director Charles Gerard, whose first day on the job was Mon., Oct. 16, according to the Richmond City Manager’s report.
Gerard comes to Richmond with 35 years of experience in the marine industry, with his past including time supervising marine terminal operating systems for more than 400 terminals worldwide.
The new port director earned degrees from the US Merchant Marine Academy (BS), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MS) and University of Hawaii at Manoa (MBA), and embarked upon his career as a licensed merchant marine officer on numerous ships. He said the experience “gave him a strong appreciation of global trade and transportation.”
The report also credited Gerard with vast experience spanning global business, account management, strategic planning, enterprise development/expansion, cross-functional team leadership and building/managing strong relationships.
“I am looking to keep myself engaged, learning and growing,” said Gerard as his motivation and ambitions, per the report. He further emphasized his adaptable executive skill set and said he aims to use it in the transportation and maritime industries amid rapidly advancing technology changes and global environmental considerations.
He said he’s seeking opportunities in his new role where he can take ownership of process and growth, build and develop teams and continue to build his network through positive engagements with new customers and constituents. “My ability to add value and contribute strategically are deep and broad,” Gerard added.
Richmond has 32 miles of San Francisco Bay shoreline and five City-owned terminals, with tenants coordinating various liquid and dry bulk, cars and diverse other cargo, per the City. The Port of Richmond also plays home to a number of private terminals. Richmond ranks first in liquid bulk and automobile tonnage among San Francisco Bay ports.
