About the Port of South Louisiana: The Port of South Louisiana (PSL) is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana that was established in 1960 by the State of Louisiana. PSL has been granted broad governmental and business enterprise powers for the purpose of promoting economic development and job creation. The most important of these powers are:

• To acquire, own, construct, redevelop, lease, maintain commercial and mixed-use development, industrial parks and facilities and terminals, and other types of port facilities.
• To promote and expand river throughput of cargo and freight.
• To promote the full integration of multi-modal transportation assets to increase commercial opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally.

The PSL received national ranking in the following categories:

1. #1 Grain Exporter, 45.9M (2024)

2. #2 Tonnage Port, 251.4M (2024)

3. #1 Foreign Trade Zone (merch rcvd.), $65.1B in 2024

4. #2 Energy Transfer (imports), 30.3M (2024)

For more information about the PSL visit: https://portsl.com

The Executive Director Role: Reporting to the Commission Chairman and Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director (ED) of PSL will lead the Port toward its mission as a leading port and economic engine for the State of Louisiana. The ED’s essential functions are as follows:

• Provide strategic vision and leadership to the PSL
• Lead, facilitate and collaborate on key industry and organizational initiatives including long range plans, project development opportunities, key partnerships and business relationships, multicultural developments, national and regional branding
• Directly manage, coach, and develop the PSL team
• Establish leasing and development goals and oversee operations and marketing initiatives
• Represent PSL and overall port industry to community leadership to ensure support for important projects
• Develop and maintain effective organizational policies and ensure all PSL activities are implemented within the established policies, guidelines, laws, and ethical standards.
• Advise the Board Chair and Board of Commissioners.  Attend meetings of the membership, Board, and other designated committees
• Oversee the PSL financial function in the preparation of financial reports, annual budget, and annual audit reports for recommendation to the Board.
• Developing Public Private Partnerships
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative proposals which might affect PSL’s interests
• Available to travel on behalf of the PSL both domestically and internationally
• The PSL Commission reserves the right to amend or change the Executive Director’s Job Description based on what it considers the current business requirements of the PSL

Location: Reserve, LA

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in maritime executive management (or closely related experience).
• Familiarity with economic development, ideally related to maritime cargoes. 
• Previous experience working with a board (either directly reporting or working in close collaboration) and with multiple and diverse stakeholder groups including government entities.
• Previous experience successfully leading a similar sized team (65 staff) and creating a positive organizational culture.
• Familiarity with State transportation and economic development agencies.
• Experience successfully implementing national and regional partnership programs.
• Experience with budgets in excess of $5M.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic marketing plans. 
• Exceptional leadership skills including outstanding communication and organizational skills and a proven reputation of professionalism, excellence, and integrity.

Compensation & Benefits: Competitive base salary + executive level benefits.

To Apply: Please submit resume and cover letter to Susan Shey Dvonch, Shey-Harding Executive Search.  Email address: sue@shey-harding.com, Office: (562) 252-8516, www.shey-harding.com.

Resumes will be accepted until close of business on Friday, November 21, 2025 (5pm Central time). The Port of South Louisiana reserves the right to accept additional submissions after the close date.

 Additional Information:   

• Click here for a link to the full job description. 
• To be considered, candidates must have previous U.S. work experience and be eligible to work in the U.S. without restrictions. 

The Port of South Louisiana is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an applicant based on any legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

About Port of South Louisiana

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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