Following a 15-year stellar career of public service and organizational leadership, Andrew Palomares, the Port of Hueneme’s Deputy Executive Director, Chief Financial and Chief Administrative Officer had announced his planned retirement effective Friday, March 3, 2023.

Andrew Palomares said: “I couldn’t have made a better choice than to spend the balance of my 45 years in the workforce with a career at the Port. It truly cares about jobs, the environment, and its surrounding neighborhoods. I have had more than great executive leadership, supportive Boards of Harbor Commissioners, and a very talented and memorable work family over the years. I will miss them all yet looking forward to the next chapters of my life.”

Andrew Palomares
Andrew Palomares, Deputy Executive Director, CFO/CAO

“The leadership of Andrew Palomares is truly an example of leading the Port as an organization focused on its people, customers, and community through “People First” approach in its performance excellence, which is the key to success at our Port.” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.

During Mr. Palomares’ tenure, the Port of Hueneme was recognized 12 consecutive times for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) and the Port’s financial strength was improved as evidenced by the latest A stable debt rating from Fitch Ratings.

Andrew Palomares served as the Deputy Executive Director, CFO/CAO, and the Board appointed Treasurer for the Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme. Andrew oversaw Finance & Accounting, Budget, Information Technology, Human Resources, Risk Management and Administration and Treasury and has his Facility Security Officer Certificate from the California Maritime Academy. He also served as Chair of the Finance Committee for the American Association of Port Authorities, (AAPA) and is a member of the GFOA, CSMFO, CMTA, CALPELRA, and CSDA, as well as on the Boards of Ports Renovation Inc. and Banana Festival Inc.

Kristin Decas, Port of Hueneme’s CEO and Port Director said:” I wish Andrew much happiness as he ventures into retirement. I will personally miss him, his professionalism and thank him for his loyalty, service and dedication to the Port of Hueneme and our successes over the past 15 years.”