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PRESS RELEASE

 Santa Cruz Port Commission Hires New Port Director

Santa Cruz resident Lisa Ekers has been named Port Director for Santa Cruz Port District. In her new role, Lisa will oversee all harbor operations and departments, including operations, accounting, maintenance-grounds and dredging. She will manage and supervise 22 full-time and approximately 45 part-time / seasonal employees; administer and develop the harbor’s $6.6 million annual budget, and work closely with the Port District’s 5-member elected board.

Lisa is a civil engineer, and has worked for the County of San Mateo Department of Public Works, and most recently the City of Menlo Park Department of Public Works where she was Engineering Services Manager and City Engineer. Lisa brings executive management experience including budget administration, infrastructure maintenance and improvement, resource management, regulatory compliance, and personnel development. She has emergency response experience developed during her tenure with the City of Watsonville police and fire departments, and the County of Santa Cruz Office of Emergency Services.

Lisa is an experienced sailor, and has a boat in the harbor. The Port Commission believes she is uniquely qualified to lead the Port District.

Lisa will replace current Port Director Rick Smith, who has worked for the Port District for the last 26 years. Rick was hired as controller in 1984, by Port Director Brian Foss, and was later promoted to business manager and Port Director. Brian Foss, who worked for the Port District for 33 years before retiring, continues to be involved in special projects that benefit the District.

Lisa will join the District starting July 29, 2010.

 

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