Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners speaking at the Port of Hueneme’s annual State of the Port Luncheon.

West Ventura County Business Alliance Hosts Annual Port Update

The Residence Inn by Marriott in Oxnard was the location of a packed room consisting of elected officials, port customers, labor union representatives, businesses, and community groups eager to listen to an update presented by the Port of Hueneme and hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance. Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners welcomed attendees to the “State of the Port” presentation with an inspirational story about her childhood in Oxnard and thanked the community for its support of the port.

“The Port of Hueneme is the heartbeat of our local economy by driving trade, creating jobs, and connecting our communities to vital opportunities,” President Zacarias said. “The Port continues to ‘keep cargo moving’ which helps our region thrive.”

Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director, kicked off the presentation by providing a “Port 101” that included impressive milestones, fun facts, and an interactive quiz about the port that kept attendees engaged while being informed.

“The Port of Hueneme is charging forward on its journey towards becoming a zero-emission port by 2030,” Decas said. “Sustainability and innovation are keys to our economic growth and environmental stewardship.”

(Left to right) Miguel Rodriguez, Community Relations and Workforce Development Director; Christina Birdsey, Chief Operations Officer; Stacy Lange, Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer; Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director; Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners; Jess Ramirez, Vice President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners; and Austin Yang, Chief Financial and Chief Administration Officer.

The Port’s senior leadership team of Austin Yang, Chief Financial and Chief Administration Officer; Christina Birdsey, Chief Operations Officer; and Stacy Lange, Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer provided updates regarding the port’s economic impact in the region, cargo and revenue performance, infrastructure, innovation, environment, business operations, and community outreach. Miguel Rodriguez, Community Relations and Workforce Development Director, rounded out the presentation by making a strong case for cultivating solid partnerships between the Port of Hueneme, businesses, community organizations, and local leaders.